The potential of biomimesis in bone tissue engineering: lessons from the design and synthesis of invertebrate skeletons

Innovation in Osteogenesis Activation: Role of Marine-Derived Materials in Bone Regeneration

Marine-derived biomaterials are emerging as promising candidates for tissue regeneration due to their sustainability, biocompatibility, bioactivity, and unique chemical structure. This review provides an overview of different marine-derived inorganic and organic materials, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium salts, silica, polysaccharides, bioactive peptides, and lipid-based compounds, and their effects in promoting osteogenesis. Specifically, the osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteointegrative activities of traditional and innovative materials that influence key molecular pathways such as BMP/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling underlying bone formation will be evaluated. This review also prospects innovative approaches, i.e., phage display technology, to optimize marine-derived peptides for targeted bone regeneration. In the context of innovative and sustainable materials, this review suggests some interesting applications of unusual materials able to overcome the limitations of conventional ones and stimulate cellular regeneration of bone tissue by activating specific molecular pathways.

A bilayer scaffold of collagen and nanohydroxyapatite promotes osteochondral defect in rabbit knee joints

Aims

A large number of surgical operations are available to treat osteochondral defects of the knee. However, the knee joint arthroplasty materials cannot completely mimic the articular cartilage and subchondral bone, which may bring some obvious side effects. Thus, this study proposed a biocompatible osteochondral repair material prepared from a double-layer scaffold of collagen and nanohydroxyapatite (CHA), consisting of collagen hydrogel as the upper layer of the scaffold, and the composite of CHA as the lower layer of the scaffold.

Methods

The CHA scaffold was prepared, and properties including morphology, internal structure, and mechanical strength of the CHA scaffold were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a MTS electronic universal testing machine. Then, biocompatibility and repair capability of the CHA scaffold were further evaluated using a rabbit knee cartilage defect model.

Results

The CHA scaffold was well suited for the repair of articular cartilage and subchondral bone; the in vitro results showed that the CHA scaffold had good cytocompatibility. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the material had high biocompatibility and effectively induced cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration.

Conclusion

The CHA scaffold has a high potential for commercialization and could be used as an effective knee repair material in clinical applications.

Exploring the Biological Impact of β-TCP Surface Polarization on Osteoblast and Osteoclast Activity

β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a widely utilized resorbable bone graft material, whose surface charge can be modified by electrical polarization. However, the specific effects of such a charge modification on osteoblast and osteoclast functions remain insufficiently studied. In this work, electrically polarized β-TCP with a high surface charge density was synthesized and evaluated in vitro in terms of its physicochemical properties and biological activity. Polarization was performed to achieve a high surface charge density, which was quantified using a thermally stimulated depolarization current. The proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were assessed via WST-8 and alkaline phosphatase assays. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and a resorption pit assay were used to evaluate the impact of surface charge on RAW264.7 osteoclast-like cell activity. Polarized β-TCP exhibited a surface charge of 1.3 mC cm-2. Electrically polarized surfaces significantly enhanced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. TRAP activity assays demonstrated effective osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, with enhanced activity observed on charged surfaces. Resorption pit assays further revealed improved osteoclast resorption capacity on β-TCP surfaces with a polarized charge. These findings indicate that β-TCP with a highly dense surface charge promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as osteoclast activity and resorption capacity.

Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation of the Use of Alb-PRF versus L-PRF in Mandibular Third Molar Extractions: A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Bone tissue engineering seeks biomaterials that enable cell migration, angiogenesis, matrix deposition, and tissue regeneration. Blood concentrates like platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) offer a cost-effective source of cells and growth factors to enhance healing. The present study aimed to evaluate heated serum albumin with liquid PRF (Alb-PRF) and L-PRF clinically and biochemically after placement in dental sockets following mandibular third molar extraction. In a controlled, split-mouth study involving 10 volunteers, 20 extracted molars were treated with either Alb-PRF or L-PRF. Post-extraction, pain, trismus, infection presence, and swelling were measured. The concentrations of different analytes in the surgical sites were also examined. The data were statistically analyzed, with significance defined at p < 0.05 (t-test). No significant difference was noted between the groups for pain and trismus, but Alb-PRF showed a significant reduction in swelling on day seven. The Alb-PRF group showed lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-1b, IL-6, IFNy, IL-8, IL-15, RANTES, and MIP-1a) after seven days, with only higher expressions of MIP-1b, IL-1b, and MCP-1 found in the L-PRF group. Differences were observed in the release of analytes between L-PRF and Alb-PRF, with Alb-PRF significantly reducing edema after seven days. Alb-PRF reduced edema, while L-PRF increased inflammatory cytokines. When compared to L-PRF, Alb-PRF reduced edema and the release of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting promising effects in socket healing while underscoring the role of growth factors and cytokines in potential applications of blood concentrates.

In Vivo Degradation Behavior of Magnesium Alloy for Bone Implants with Improving Biological Activity, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance

This study aimed to establish a surface modification technology for ZK60 magnesium alloy implants that can degrade uniformly over time and promote bone healing. It proposes a special micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment on ZK60 alloy that enables the composite electrolytes to create a coating with better corrosion resistance and solve the problems of uneven and excessive degradation. A magnesium alloy bone screw made in this way was able to promote the bone healing reaction after implantation in rabbits. Additionally, it was found that the MAO-treated samples could be sustained in simulated body-fluid solution, exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance and electrochemical stability. The Ca ions deposited in the MAO coating were not cytotoxic and were beneficial in enhancing bone healing after implantation.

A comprehensive review of properties of the biocompatible thin films on biodegradable Mg alloys

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have attracted attention as biodegradable materials for biomedical applications owing to their mechanical properties being comparable to that of bone. Mg is a vital trace element in many enzymes and thus forms one of the essential factors for human metabolism. However, before being used in biomedical applications, the early stage or fast degradation of Mg and its alloys in the physiological environment should be controlled. The degradation of Mg alloys is a critical criterion that can be controlled by a surface modification which is an effective process for conserving their desired properties. Different coating methods have been employed to modify Mg surfaces to provide good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. This review aims to provide information on different coatings and discuss their physical and biological properties. Finally, the current withstanding challenges have been highlighted and discussed, followed by shedding some light on future perspectives.

Gifts from Nature: Bio-Inspired Materials for Rechargeable Secondary Batteries

Materials in nature have evolved to the most efficient forms and have adapted to various environmental conditions over tens of thousands of years. Because of their versatile functionalities and environmental friendliness, numerous attempts have been made to use bio-inspired materials for industrial applications, establishing the importance of biomimetics. Biomimetics have become pivotal to the search for technological breakthroughs in the area of rechargeable secondary batteries. Here, the characteristics of bio-inspired materials that are useful for secondary batteries as well as their benefits for application as the main components of batteries (e.g., electrodes, separators, and binders) are discussed. The use of bio-inspired materials for the synthesis of nanomaterials with complex structures, low-cost electrode materials prepared from biomass, and biomolecular organic electrodes for lithium-ion batteries are also introduced. In addition, nature-derived separators and binders are discussed, including their effects on enhancing battery performance and safety. Recent developments toward next-generation secondary batteries including sodium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries, and flexible batteries are also mentioned to understand the feasibility of using bio-inspired materials in these new battery systems. Finally, current research trends are covered and future directions are proposed to provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of biomimetics technologies for secondary batteries.

Research Progress of Chitosan-Based Biomimetic Materials

Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide produced by deacetylation of natural biopolymer chitin. Owing to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability, non-toxicity, and easy processing, it has been widely used in many fields. After billions of years of survival of the fittest, many organisms have already evolved a nearly perfect structure. This paper reviews the research status of biomimetic functional materials that use chitosan as a matrix material to mimic the biological characteristics of bivalves, biological cell matrices, desert beetles, and honeycomb structure of bees. In addition, the application of biomimetic materials in wound healing, hemostasis, drug delivery, and smart materials is briefly overviewed according to their characteristics of adhesion, hemostasis, release, and adsorption. It also discusses prospects for their application and provides a reference for further research and development.

Electrospun polyamide-6/chitosan nanofibers reinforced nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-6 composite bilayered membranes for guided bone regeneration

Periodontal defect poses a significant challenge in orthopedics. Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) membrane is considered as one of the most successful methods applied to reconstruct alveolar bone and then to achieve periodontal defect repair/regeneration. In this paper, a novel polyamide-6/chitosan@nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-6 (PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6) bilayered tissue guided membranes by combining a solvent casting and an electrospinning technique was designed. The developed PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 composites were characterized by a series of tests. The results show that n-HA/PA6 and electrospun PA6/CS layers are tightly bound by molecular interaction and chemical bonding, which enhances the bonding strength between two distinct layers. The porosity and adsorption average pore diameter of the PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 membranes are 36.90 % and 22.61 nm, respectively. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 composites are 1.41 ± 0.18 MPa and 7.15 ± 1.09 MPa, respectively. In vitro cell culture studies demonstrate that PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 bilayered scaffolds have biological safety, good bioactivity, biocompatibility and osteoconductivity.

The Significance and Utilisation of Biomimetic and Bioinspired Strategies in the Field of Biomedical Material Engineering: The Case of Calcium Phosphat-Protein Template Constructs

This review provides a summary of recent research on biomimetic and bioinspired strategies applied in the field of biomedical material engineering and focusing particularly on calcium phosphate-protein template constructs inspired by biomineralisation. A description of and discussion on the biomineralisation process is followed by a general summary of the application of the biomimetic and bioinspired strategies in the fields of biomedical material engineering and regenerative medicine. Particular attention is devoted to the description of individual peptides and proteins that serve as templates for the biomimetic mineralisation of calcium phosphate. Moreover, the review also presents a description of smart devices including delivery systems and constructs with specific functions. The paper concludes with a summary of and discussion on potential future developments in this field.

Thermal cycling effect on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells loaded on 3D-porous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (BCP) scaffolds for early osteogenesis

The application of heat stress on a defect site during the healing process is a promising technique for early bone regeneration. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effect of periodic heat shock on bone formation. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded onto biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds, followed by periodic heating to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. Heat was applied to cells seeded onto scaffolds at 41 °C for 1 h once, twice, and four times a day for seven days and their viability, morphology, and differentiation were analyzed. BCP scaffolds with interconnected porous structures mimic bone biology for cellular studies. MTT and confocal studies have shown that heat shock significantly increased cell proliferation without any toxic effects. Compared to non-heated samples, heat shock enhanced calcium deposition and mineralization, which could be visualized by SEM observation and Alizarin red S staining. Immunostaining images showed the localization of osteogenic proteins ALP and OPN on heat-shocked cells. qRT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of more osteospecific markers, osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin, collagen type X, and Runx2, in the heat-shocked samples than in the non-heated sample. Periodic heat shock significantly upregulated both heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP27) in differentiated MC3T3-E1 cells. The results of this study demonstrated that periodically heat applied especially two times a day was better approach for osteogenic differentiation. Hence, this work provides a define temperature and time schedule for the development of a clinical heating device in future for early bone regeneration during the postsurgical period.

Computational characterization of the structural and mechanical properties of nanoporous titania

Nanoporous titania is one of the most commonly used biomaterials with good biocompatibility and mechanical strength. Understanding to the influence of pore structures on their performances is crucial for the design and preparation of titania-based materials. Two kinds of structural models for nanoporous titania were constructed and used to investigate the effect of pore size and/or porosity on their mechanical properties by using molecular dynamic simulations with the Matsui-Akaogi potentials. The porous structures were relaxed and their elastic constants were computed and used to evaluated their bulk, shear and Young's moduli. Overlap effect in small pores, pore size and porosity have considerable influence on computed elastic moduli. Compared to bulk rutile TiO2, reduced mechanical moduli were predicted. Simulations on uniaxial tensile tests revealed an anisotropic stress-strain relationship and a brittle-to-ductile transition for structures with large porosities. Fracture failure was predicted for all the studied porous structures. The maximum stress decreases with pore size and porosity, while the corresponding strain decreases with pore size, but increases with porosity.

Effect of different concentration of demineralized bone powder with gellan gum porous scaffold for the application of bone tissue regeneration

The prevalence of bone-related diseases has increased, the population growth as a result of the aging phenomenon requires more effective treatments for regeneration of bone defect. Although an autogenous bone graft was used in traditional operation method, they are very inefficient in current bone defect surgery and very difficult to gather the required amount of bone for operation. It is becoming a gradually growing disease, hence there is a need for developing a new method for preparing biomimetic scaffolds. DBP (demineralized bone powder), a potent bone regeneration material, has a trace amount of ions and bone mineral component. Especially, GD (Gallus gallus var domesticus) DBP has a unique property, which has melanin, for strengthening bones, increasing ALP activity and bone mineralization, compared to other available biomaterials. For that reason, GD DBP was combined with GG (gellan gum). The material was characterized in vitro and in vivo rat model. The first priority in this work was given to assessing the attachment and proliferation rates of BMSCs following the in vivo experiment in rats. The results of 1% sample showed better osteogenic effects that can be used in clinical application after studying in larger animals for better bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Analysis of In Vitro Osteoblast Culture on Scaffolds for Future Bone Regeneration Purposes in Dentistry

One of the main focuses of tissue engineering is to search for tridimensional scaffold materials, complying with nature's properties for tissue regeneration. Determining material biocompatibility is a fundamental step in considering its use. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze osteoblast cell adhesion and viability on different materials to determine which was more compatible for future bone regeneration. Tridimensional structures were fabricated with hydroxyapatite, collagen, and porous silica. The bovine bone was used as material control. Biocompatibility was determined by seeding primary osteoblasts on each tridimensional structure. Cellular morphology was assessed by SEM and viability through confocal microscopy. Osteoblast colonization was observed on all evaluated materials' surface, revealing they did not elicit osteoblast cytotoxicity. Analyses of four different materials studied with diverse compositions and characteristics showed that adhesiveness was best seen for HA and viability for collagen. In general, the results of this investigation suggest these materials can be used in combination, as scaffolds intended for bone regeneration in dental and medical fields.

Immobilization of Titanium(IV) Oxide onto 3D Spongin Scaffolds of Marine Sponge Origin According to Extreme Biomimetics Principles for Removal of C.I. Basic Blue 9

The aim of extreme biomimetics is to design a bridge between extreme biomineralization and bioinspired materials chemistry, where the basic principle is to exploit chemically and thermally stable, renewable biopolymers for the development of the next generation of biologically inspired advanced and functional composite materials. This study reports for the first time the use of proteinaceous spongin-based scaffolds isolated from marine demosponge Hippospongia communis as a three-dimensional (3D) template for the hydrothermal deposition of crystalline titanium dioxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assisted with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, low temperature nitrogen sorption, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and attenuated total reflectance⁻Fourier transform infrared (ATR⁻FTIR) spectroscopy are used as characterization techniques. It was found that, after hydrothermal treatment crystalline titania in anatase form is obtained, which forms a coating around spongin microfibers through interaction with negatively charged functional groups of the structural protein as well as via hydrogen bonding. The material was tested as a potential heterogeneous photocatalyst for removal of C.I. Basic Blue 9 dye under UV irradiation. The obtained 3D composite material shows a high efficiency of dye removal through both adsorption and photocatalysis.

Osteoinductive recombinant silk fusion proteins for bone regeneration

Protein polymers provide a unique opportunity for tunable designs of material systems due to the genetic basis of sequence control. To address the challenge of biomineralization interfaces with protein based materials, we genetically engineered spider silks to design organic-inorganic hybrid systems. The spider silk inspired domain (SGRGGLGGQG AGAAAAAGGA GQGGYGGLGSQGT)₁₅ served as an organic scaffold to control material stability and to allow multiple modes of processing, whereas the hydroxyapatite binding domain VTKHLNQISQSY (VTK), provided control over osteogenesis. The VTK domain was fused either to the N-, C- or both terminals of the spider silk domain to understand the effect of position on material properties and mineralization. The addition of the VTK domain to silk did not affect the physical properties of the silk recombinant constructs, but it had a critical role in the induction of biomineralization. When the VTK domain was placed on both the C- and N-termini the formation of crystalline hydroxyapatite was significantly increased. In addition, all of the recombinant proteins in film format supported the growth and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Importantly, the presence of the VTK domain enhanced osteoinductive properties up to 3-fold compared to the control (silk alone without VTK). Therefore, silk-VTK fusion proteins have been shown suitable for mineralization and functionalization for specific biomedical applications.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Organic-inorganic interfaces are integral to biomaterial functions in many areas of repair and regeneration. Several protein polymers have been investigated for this purpose. Despite their success the limited options to fine-tune their material properties, degradation patterns and functionalize them for each specific biomedical application limits their application. Various studies have shown that the biological performance of such proteins can be improved by genetic engineering. The present study provides data relating protein design parameters and functional outcome quantified by biomineralization and human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. As such, it helps the design of osteoinductive recombinant biomaterials for bone regeneration.

Design and Biological Evaluation of Delivery Systems Containing Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates have found application in the treatment of reoccurrence of bone diseases, breast cancer, etc. They have also been found to exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer and antimalarial activities. However, they suffer from pharmacological deficiencies such as toxicity, poor bioavailability and low intestinal adsorption. These shortcomings have resulted in several researchers developing delivery systems that can enhance their overall therapeutic effectiveness. This review provides a detailed overview of the published studies on delivery systems designed for the delivery of bisphosphonates and the corresponding in vitro/in vivo results.

Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Immobilization onto Hippospongia communis Marine Demosponge Skeleton and Its Antibacterial Activity

In this study, Hippospongia communis marine demosponge skeleton was used as an adsorbent for sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC). Obtained results indicate the high sorption capacity of this biomaterial with respect to SCC. Batch experiments were performed under different conditions and kinetic and isotherms properties were investigated. Acidic pH and the addition of sodium chloride increased SCC adsorption. The experimental data were well described by a pseudo-second order kinetic model. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms were determined and the experimental data were analyzed using both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The effectiveness of the process was confirmed by ¹³C Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹³C CP/MAS NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). This novel SCC-sponge-based functional hybrid material was found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) viability on PVA and PCL polymer coated hydroxyapatite scaffolds derived from cuttlefish

In the present study, cuttlefish bones are used to prepare highly porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds via hydrothermal treatment at 200 °C.

Calcium orthophosphates (CaPO4): occurrence and properties

The present overview is intended to point the readers' attention to the important subject of calcium orthophosphates (CaPO4). This type of materials is of the special significance for the human beings because they represent the inorganic part of major normal (bones, teeth and antlers) and pathological (i.e., those appearing due to various diseases) calcified tissues of mammals. For example, atherosclerosis results in blood vessel blockage caused by a solid composite of cholesterol with CaPO4, while dental caries and osteoporosis mean a partial decalcification of teeth and bones, respectively, that results in replacement of a less soluble and harder biological apatite by more soluble and softer calcium hydrogenorthophosphates. Therefore, the processes of both normal and pathological calcifications are just an in vivo crystallization of CaPO4. Similarly, dental caries and osteoporosis might be considered as in vivo dissolution of CaPO4. In addition, natural CaPO4 are the major source of phosphorus, which is used to produce agricultural fertilizers, detergents and various phosphorus-containing chemicals. Thus, there is a great significance of CaPO4 for the humankind and, in this paper, an overview on the current knowledge on this subject is provided.

Biomineralization of Natural Collagenous Nanofibrous Membranes and Their Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering

Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) membranes as a decellularized tissue are known to be a natural nanofibrous biomaterial mainly made of type I collagen fibers and containing some growth factors (fibroblast growth factor 2 and transforming growth factor β) desired in tissue engineering. Here we show that the SIS membranes can promote the formation of bone mineral hydroxylapatite (HAP) crystals along the collagen fibers constituting the membranes from a HAP-supersaturated solution. The resultant biomineralized HAP-SIS scaffolds were found to promote the attachment, growth and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in both basal and osteogenic media by the evaluation of osteogenic marker formation. More importantly, the HAP-SIS scaffolds could induce the osteogenic differentiation in the basal media without osteogenic supplements due to the presence of HAP crystals in the scaffolds. Histological characterization of the MSC-seeded scaffolds showed that HAP-SIS scaffolds are biocompatible and promote the formation of new tissue in vitro. The biomineralized SIS membranes mimic some aspects of natural bone in terms of the composition and nanostructures and can find potential use in bone tissue engineering.

A novel nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering based on chitosan–silk sericin/hydroxyapatite: biomimetic synthesis and its cytocompatibility

Scheme of the formation mechanism of CS–SS/HA-s and CS–SS/HA-g nanocomposites.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the marine sponge skeleton as a bone mimicking biomaterial

This investigation was carried out to identify and characterize marine sponges as potential bioscaffolds in bone tissue engineering.

Effect of different hydroxyapatite incorporation methods on the structural and biological properties of porous collagen scaffolds for bone repair

Scaffolds which aim to provide an optimised environment to regenerate bone tissue require a balance between mechanical properties and architecture known to be conducive to enable tissue regeneration, such as a high porosity and a suitable pore size. Using freeze-dried collagen-based scaffolds as an analogue of native ECM, we sought to improve the mechanical properties by incorporating hydroxyapatite (HA) in different ways while maintaining a pore architecture sufficient to allow cell infiltration, vascularisation and effective bone regeneration. Specifically we sought to elucidate the effect of different hydroxyapatite incorporation methods on the mechanical, morphological, and cellular response of the resultant collagen-HA scaffolds. The results demonstrated that incorporating either micron-sized (CHA scaffolds) or nano-sized HA particles (CnHA scaffolds) prior to freeze-drying resulted in moderate increases in stiffness (2.2-fold and 6.2-fold, respectively, vs. collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds, P < 0.05, a scaffold known to support osteogenesis), while enabling good cell attachment, and moderate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated calcium production after 28 days' culture (2.1-fold, P < 0.05, and 1.3-fold, respectively, vs. CG scaffolds). However, coating of collagen scaffolds with a hydroxyapatite precipitate after freeze-drying (CpHA scaffolds) has been shown to be a highly effective method to increase the compressive modulus (26-fold vs. CG controls, P < 0.001) of scaffolds while maintaining a high porosity (~ 98%). The coating of the ligand-dense collagen structure results in a lower cell attachment level (P < 0.05), although it supported greater cell-mediated calcium production (P < 0.0001) compared with other scaffold variants after 28 days' culture. The comparatively good mechanical properties of these high porosity scaffolds is obtained partially through highly crosslinking the scaffolds with both a physical (DHT) and chemical (EDAC) crosslinking treatment. Control of scaffold microstructure was examined via alterations in freezing temperature. It was found that the addition of HA prior to freeze-drying generally reduced the pore size and so the CpHA scaffold fabrication method offered increased control over the resulting scaffolds microstructure. These findings will help guide future design considerations for composite biomaterials and demonstrate that the method of HA incorporation can have profound effects on the resulting scaffold structural and biological response.

Evolving marine biomimetics for regenerative dentistry

New products that help make human tissue and organ regeneration more effective are in high demand and include materials, structures and substrates that drive cell-to-tissue transformations, orchestrate anatomical assembly and tissue integration with biology. Marine organisms are exemplary bioresources that have extensive possibilities in supporting and facilitating development of human tissue substitutes. Such organisms represent a deep and diverse reserve of materials, substrates and structures that can facilitate tissue reconstruction within lab-based cultures. The reason is that they possess sophisticated structures, architectures and biomaterial designs that are still difficult to replicate using synthetic processes, so far. These products offer tantalizing pre-made options that are versatile, adaptable and have many functions for current tissue engineers seeking fresh solutions to the deficiencies in existing dental biomaterials, which lack the intrinsic elements of biofunctioning, structural and mechanical design to regenerate anatomically correct dental tissues both in the culture dish and in vivo.

Preparation and characterization of polylactide/poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) hybrid fibers for potential application in bone tissue engineering

The aim of this study was to develop a kind of osteogenic biodegradable composite graft consisting of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hPMSC) material for site-specific repair of bone defects and attenuation of clinical symptoms. The novel nano- to micro-structured biodegradable hybrid fibers were prepared by electrospinning. The characteristics of the hybrid membranes were investigated by a range of methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Morphological study with scanning electron microscopy showed that the average fiber diameter and the number of nanoscale pores on each individual fiber surface decreased with increasing concentration of poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCEC). The prepared polylactide (PLA)/PCEC fibrous membranes favored hPMSC attachment and proliferation by providing an interconnected, porous, three-dimensional mimicked extracellular environment. What is more, hPMSCs cultured on the electrospun hybrid PLA/PCEC fibrous scaffolds could be effectively differentiated into bone-associated cells by positive alizarin red staining. Given the good cellular response and excellent osteogenic potential in vitro, the electrospun PLA/PCEC fibrous scaffolds could be one of the most promising candidates for bone tissue engineering.

A combination of biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold with hyaluronic acid-gelatin hydrogel as a new tool for bone regeneration

A novel bone substitute was fabricated to enhance bone healing by combining ceramic and polymer materials. In this study, Hyaluronic acid (HyA)-Gelatin (Gel) hydrogel was loaded into a biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic, and the resulting scaffold, with unique micro- and macroporous orientation, was evaluated for bone regeneration applications. The fabricated scaffold showed high interconnected porosity, with an average compressive strength of 2.8±0.15 MPa, which is usually recommended for cancellous bone substitution. In vitro cytocompatibility studies were conducted using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The HyA-Gel-loaded BCP scaffold resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation at 3 (p<0.05) and 7 days (p<0.001) and high alkaline phosphatase activities at 14 and 21 days. Furthermore, the in vivo studies showed that the implanted HyA-Gel-loaded BCP scaffold begins to degrade within 3 months after implantation. Histological sections also confirmed a rapid new bone formation and a high rate of collagen mineralization. A bone matrix formation was confirmed by positive immunohistochemistry staining of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and collagen type I. In vivo expression of extracellular matrix proteins demonstrated that this novel bone substitute holds great promise for use in stimulating new bone regeneration.

Analyzing the behavior of a porous nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) composite for healing of bone defects

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of the porous nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) composite grafted for bone defect repair through a series of biological safety experiments, animal experiments, and a more than 5-year long clinical follow-up. The biological safety experiments, carried out in accordance with the Chinese Guo Biao and Tolerancing (GB/T)16886 and GB/T16175, revealed that porous n-HA/PA66 composite had no cytotoxicity, no sensitization effect, no pyrogenic reaction, and that its hemolysis rate was 0.59% (less than 5%). Rabbit models of tibia defects with grafted porous n-HA/PA66 composite were established. After 2 weeks, the experiment showed that osteogenesis was detected in the porous n-HA/PA66 composite; the density of new bone formation was similar to the surrounding host bone at 12 weeks. After 26 weeks, the artificial bone rebuilt to lamellar bone completely. In the clinical study, a retrospective review was carried out for 21 patients who underwent serial radiographic assessment after treatment with porous n-HA/PA66 composite grafts following bone tumor resection. All wounds healed to grade A. No postoperative infections, delayed deep infection, nonspecific inflammation, rejection, or fractures were encountered. At a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society's (MSTS) 93 score was 29.3 points (range: 28-30 points) and mean radiopaque density ratio was 0.77±0.10. The radiologic analysis showed that porous n-HA/PA66 composite had been completely incorporated with the host bone about 1.5 years later. In conclusion, this study indicated that the porous n-HA/PA66 composite had biological safety, and good biocompatibility, osteoinduction, and osseointegration. Thus, the porous n-HA/PA66 composite is an ideal artificial bone substitute and worthy of promotion in the field.

Cuttlefish bone scaffold for tissue engineering: a novel hydrothermal transformation, chemical-physical, and biological characterization

PURPOSE

Natural resources are receiving growing interest because of their possible conversion from a cheap and easily available material into a biomedical product. Cuttlefish bone from Sepia Officinalis was investigated in order to obtain an hydroxyapatite porous scaffold using hydrothermal transformation.

METHODS

Complete conversion of the previous calcium carbonate (aragonite) phase into a calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) phase was performed with an hydrothermal transformation at 200 °C (~ 15 atm), for four hours, with an aqueous solution of KH2PO4 in order to set the molar ratio Ca/P = 10/6 in a reactor (Parr 4382). The complete conversion was then analyzed by TGA, ATR-FTIR, x-ray diffraction, and SEM. Moreover, the material was biologically investigated with MC3T3-E1 in static cultures, using both osteogenic and maintenance media. The expression of osteogenic markers as ALP and osteocalcin and the cell proliferation were investigated.

RESULTS

Cuttlefish bone has been successfully transformed from calcium carbonate into calcium phosphate. Biological characterization revealed that osteogenic markers are expressed using both osteogenic and maintenance conditions. Cell proliferation is influenced by the static culture condition used for this three-dimensional scaffold.

CONCLUSIONS

The new scaffold composed by hydroxyapatite and derived for a natural source presents good biocompatibility and can be used for further investigations using dynamic cultures in order to improve cell proliferation and differentiation for bone tissue engineering.

Biomineralization as an inspiration for materials chemistry

Living organisms are well known for building a wide range of specially designed organic-inorganic hybrid materials such as bone, teeth, and shells, which are highly sophisticated in terms of their adaptation to function. This has inspired physicists, chemists, and materials scientists to mimic such structures and their properties. In this Review we describe how strategies used by nature to build and tune the properties of biominerals have been applied to the synthesis of materials for biomedical, industrial, and technological purposes. Bio-inspired approaches such as molecular templating, supramolecular templating, organized surfaces, and phage display as well as methods to replicate the structure and function of biominerals are discussed. We also show that the application of in situ techniques to study and visualize the bio-inspired materials is of paramount importance to understand, control, and optimize their preparation. Biominerals are synthesized in aqueous media under ambient conditions, and these approaches can lead to materials with a reduced ecological footprint than can traditional methods.

Mechanical properties of radial bone defects treated with autogenous graft covered with hydroxyapatite in rabbit

PURPOSE: To determine biomechanical property of autogenous bone graft covered with hydroxyapatite in the defect of radial bone in rabbit. METHODS: Eighteen adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used which were divided into three groups (I, II, III) of six rabbits each. A segmental bone defect of 10 mm in length was created in the middle of the right radial shaft under general effective anesthesia in all rabbits and were stabilized using mini-plate with four screws. The defects In group I were left as such without filler, whereas in group II the defect were filled up with harvested 10 mm rib bone and in group III the defect were packed with rib bone covered with nano-hydroxyapatite. All rabbits in three groups were divided into two subgroups (one month and three months duration with three rabbits in each one). RESULTS: The mechanical property and the mean load for fracturing normal radial bone was recorded 388.2±6 N whereas it was 72.4±12.8 N for group I in 1 month duration which was recorded 182.4±14.2 N for group II and 211.6±10.4 N for group III at the end of 1 month. These values were 97.6±10.2 N for group I and 324.6±8.2 N for group II and 372.6±17.4 N for group III at the end of three months after implantation. CONCLUSION: Implantation of autologous graft covered with hydroxyapatite indicated to have positive effect in integral formation of qualitative callus at the site of fracture and early re-organization of callus to regain mechanical strength too.