bFGF-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Promote Bone Regeneration Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling Pathway

Abstract

Background Bone defects remain an unsolved clinical problem due to the lack of effective osteogenic induction protocols. Nanomaterials play an important role in bone defect repair by stimulating osteogenesis. However, constructing an effective bioactive nanomaterial remains a substantial challenge. Methods In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared and used as nanocarriers for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The characteristics and biological properties of the synthetic bFGF@MSNs were tested. The osteogenic effects of the particles on the behavior of MC3T3-E1 cells were investigated in vitro. In addition, the differentially expressed genes during induction of osteogenesis were analyzed by transcriptomic sequencing. Radiological and histological observations were carried out to determine bone regeneration capability in a distal femur defect model. Results Achieving bFGF sustained release, bFGF@MSNs had uniform spherical morphology and good biocompatibility. In vitro osteogenesis induction experiments showed that bFGF@MSNs exhibited excellent osteogenesis performance, with upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes (RUNX2, OCN, Osterix, ALP). Transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway could be activated in regulation of biological processes. In vivo, bone defect repair experiments showed enhanced bone regeneration, as indicated by radiological and histological analysis, after the application of bFGF@MSNs. Conclusion bFGF@MSNs can promote bone regeneration by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. These particles are expected to become a potential therapeutic bioactive material for clinical application in repairing bone defects in the future.

Wound healing strategies based on nanoparticles incorporated in hydrogel wound patches

“…Reportedly, bFGF-loaded MSNPs were capable of increasing bone regeneration and revealed a promising system for wound healing. 107 Silicates are mainly salts containing anions of silicon and oxygen. Wang et al 108 reported that the acceleration of diabetic wound healing has been demonstrated through the release of the silicon ions from silicate-based bioceramics during their degradation.…”

Tissue-Engineered Nanomaterials Play Diverse Roles in Bone Injury Repair

“…Silica NPs can be loaded with bone-repair-active factors such as proteins, peptides, cytokines, and functional gene fragments that promote bone regeneration. Shen et al [64] prepared mesoporous Silica NPs that served as nanocarriers for loaded basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Nanocomposites of bFGF/Silica NPs promoted cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteodifferentiation in vitro, and Silica NPs promoted new bone formation in animal models of femoral defects in vivo.…”

The Delivery and Activation of Growth Factors Using Nanomaterials for Bone Repair

“…One of the most commonly used types of silica-based nanoparticles is MSNs, which are highly biocompatible and have a large surface area, making them ideal for delivering bioactive molecules. A study that loaded bFGF into MSNs to achieve sustained release showed that this composite promoted osteogenesis and stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway [ 48 ]. The rich surface areas and porous structures of MSNs allow them to carry more GFs or other small molecules simultaneously.…”

“… Images of various nanoparticles introduced in this review. ( a ) Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) used for bFGF delivery [ 48 ]. ( b ) SF/PCL/PVA nanofibers used for dual GF delivery [ 49 ].…”