Composite microsphere-functionalized scaffold for the controlled release of small molecules in tissue engineering

Abstract

Current tissue engineering strategies focus on restoring damaged tissue architectures using biologically active scaffolds. The ideal scaffold would mimic the extracellular matrix of any tissue of interest, promoting cell proliferation and de novo extracellular matrix deposition. A plethora of techniques have been evaluated to engineer scaffolds for the controlled and targeted release of bioactive molecules to provide a functional structure for tissue growth and remodeling, as well as enhance recruitment and proliferation of autologous cells within the implant. Recently, novel approaches using small molecules, instead of growth factors, have been exploited to regulate tissue regeneration. The use of small synthetic molecules could be very advantageous because of their stability, tunability, and low cost. Herein, we propose a chitosan–gelatin scaffold functionalized with composite microspheres consisting of mesoporous silicon microparticles and poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) for the controlled release of sphingosine-1-phospate, a small molecule of interest. We characterized the platform with scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. Finally, the biocompatibility of this multiscale system was analyzed by culturing human mesenchymal stem cells onto the scaffold. The presented strategy establishes the basis of a versatile scaffold for the controlled release of small molecules and for culturing mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine applications.

An overview on osteogenic differentiation process: Minimum essential information for bone tissue engineering

“…The goal of regenerative medicine is maintaining, refining and improving a defective tissue (Pandolfi et al, 2016). The bone is a dynamic tissue which is capable of regenerating after small injuries.…”

Biomaterials and Culture Technologies for Regenerative Therapy of Liver Tissue

“…Because the form is isotropic, microspheres can be easily prepared under a fluid or gas atmosphere. Several methods have been developed to prepare the microspheres, which include water‐in‐oil emulsion, water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion, electrospinning, microsphere gelation, spray drying, suspension polymerization, ultrasonication and phase separation . Among others, the water‐in‐oil emulsion is generally used to prepare microspheres for the culture of cells, where a hydrophilic solution is stirred in a continuous hydrophobic phase to from spherical droplets which then separated from the hydrophobic phase.…”

Silicon bioceramic loaded with vancomycin stimulates bone tissue regeneration

“…That is why in the last years there have been abundant studies on the use of synthetic graft materials (SGM) combined with silicon‐containing materials for their use as scaffolds in the repair of bone tissue . In the last few decades, bone regeneration strategies have been achieved using materials with improved physical and chemical properties in an attempt to support the link between graft and environment . The success of an implant depends on establishing a balance between mechanical properties, porosity and osteoconductivity in the grafted area .…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9] In the last few decades, bone regeneration strategies have been achieved using materials with improved physical and chemical properties in an attempt to support the link between graft and environment. 10,11 The success of an implant depends on establishing a balance between mechanical properties, porosity and osteoconductivity in the grafted area. 12 In the field of tissue engineering, porous silicon ceramic (PSi-C) try to mimic bone structures, attracting and promoting cell migration, 13 and for this purpose the specific control of the internal pore network and interconnected porosity are essential for the vascularization and subsequent bone remodeling.…”