Chitosan‐gelatin/hydroxyapatite‐based scaffold associated with mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts improves the surface of the bone lesion in mice C57BL/6J

Abstract

Extensive injuries to bone tissue are still considered a significant clinical challenge; therefore, developing new bone tissue engineering (BTE) strategies is still necessary. This work aims to construct and characterize a chitosan‐gelatin/hydroxyapatite‐based (CG/H) scaffold to provide well‐design support for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) growth and differentiation to osteoblasts. First, the CG/H scaffolds are construct by freeze‐drying. Then, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, water uptake, and degradation profiles evaluate the material's surface. In addition, the CG/H morphological, biochemical, and MSC adhesion processes and growth behavior are also assess, indicating reasonable adhesion rates to the surface, low material cytotoxicity, and excellent alkaline phosphatase activity compared to control on the cellular framework. Based on these results, we obtain a highly biocompatible scaffold and that can support osteoblast differentiation. Finally, the in vivo studies demonstrate the CG/H scaffold with MSC adhere is capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, and the application of this scaffold is able to significantly enhance the closure of the bone lesion. Therefore, the CG/H scaffold has potential clinical application for bone regeneration.