Osteogenesis Capability of Gelatin-based biomimetic Scaffold containing PRP-loaded Starch Nanoparticles

Abstract

A new generation of scaffolds capable of acting not only as support for cells but also as a source of biological cues to promote tissue regeneration is currently a hot topic in bone Tissue Engineering (TE) research. The controlled release of the Growth Factors (GFs) from the scaffolds is a suitable strategy to achieve such a goal. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous source of GFs, providing several bioactive agents known to act on bone regeneration. In this study, citric acid-modified starch nanoparticles loaded with PRP will be included in a gelatin scaffold. Scaffolds were evaluated in vitro with respect to compressive strength, water uptake, and protein release. The size of the pores in the production scaffolds was evaluated to be around 150 microns which is suitable for bone regeneration. The scaffolds were then seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) and cultured in vitro. The osteogenic behavior of the seeded hASCs was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP activity) and calcium assay analysis. The results show the promotion of morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of the scaffolds by adding PRP-loaded nanoparticles. Our results suggest that the PRP-loaded starch nanoparticles enhance the biological and bone regeneration of the gelatin-based scaffolds.