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Currently, there are very few therapeutic options for treatment of metastatic disease, as it often remains undetected until the burden of disease is too high. Microporous poly(ε-caprolactone) biomaterials have been shown to attract metastasizing breast cancer cells in vivo early in tumor progression. In order to enhance the therapeutic potential of these scaffolds, they were modified such that infiltrating cells could be eliminated with non-invasive focal hyperthermia. Metal disks were incorporated into poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds to generate heat through electromagnetic induction by an oscillating magnetic field within a radiofrequency coil. Heat generation was modulated by varying the size of the metal disk, the strength of the magnetic field (at a fixed frequency), or the type of metal. When implanted subcutaneously in mice, the modified scaffolds were biocompatible and became properly integrated with the host tissue. Optimal parameters for in vivo heating were identified through a combination of computational modeling and ex vivo characterization to both predict and verify heat transfer dynamics and cell death kinetics during inductive heating. In vivo inductive heating of implanted, tissue-laden composite scaffolds led to tissue necrosis as seen by histological analysis. The ability to thermally ablate captured cells non-invasively using biomaterial scaffolds has the potential to extend the application of focal thermal therapies to disseminated cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfusion culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded in biomaterial scaffolds provides nutrients for cell survival, enhances extracellular matrix deposition, and increases osteogenic cell differentiation. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate perfusion duration of cellular constructs in vitro to boost their bone forming capacity in vivo . We investigated this phenomenon by culturing human MSCs in macroporous composite scaffolds in a direct perfusion bioreactor and compared their response to scaffolds in continuous dynamic culture conditions on an XYZ shaker. Cell seeding in continuous perfusion bioreactors resulted in more uniform MSC distribution than static seeding. We observed similar calcium deposition in all composite scaffolds over 21 days of bioreactor culture, regardless of pore size. Compared to scaffolds in dynamic culture, perfused scaffolds exhibited increased DNA content and expression of osteogenic markers up to 14 days in culture that plateaued thereafter. We then evaluated the effect of perfusion culture duration on bone formation when MSC-seeded scaffolds were implanted in a murine ectopic site. Human MSCs persisted in all scaffolds at 2 weeks in vivo , and we observed increased neovascularization in constructs cultured under perfusion for 7 days relative to those cultured for 1 day within each gender. At 8 weeks post-implantation, we observed greater bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, tissue ingrowth, collagen density, and osteoblastic markers in bioreactor constructs cultured for 14 days compared to those cultured for 1 or 7 days, and acellular constructs. Taken together, these data demonstrate that culturing MSCs under perfusion culture for at least 14 days in vitro improves the quantity and quality of bone formation in vivo . This study highlights the need for optimizing in vitro bioreactor culture duration of engineered constructs to achieve the desired level of bone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconstruction of large cranial bone defects by bioactive materials without exogenous cells or growth factors remains a substantial clinical challenge. Here, synthetic fibrous glycopeptide hydrogel (GRgel) self-assembled by β-sheet RADA16-grafted glucomannan was designed to mimic the glycoprotein composition and the fibrillar architecture of natural extracellular matrix (ECM), which was non-covalently composited with 3D-printed polycaprolactone/nano hydroxyapatite (PCL/nHA) scaffold for cranial bone regeneration. The glycopeptide hydrogel significantly promoted the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which was further augmented by GRgel-induced macrophage M2-phonotype polarization and the effective M2 macrophage-BMSC crosstalk. The repair of critical-size skull bone defect in rat indicated a superior efficacy of PCL/nHA@GRgel implant on bone regeneration and osseointegration, with an average bone area of 83.3% throughout the defect location at 12 weeks post treatment. Furthermore, the osteo-immunomodulatory GRgel induced a reparative microenvironment similar with that in normal cranium, as characterized by an increased percentage of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and osteoblasts, and high-level vascularization. Collectively, the composite scaffold developed here with macrophage polarization-mediated osteo-immunomodulation may represent a promising implant for expediting in situ bone regeneration by providing biochemical and osteoinductive cues at the injured tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The angiogenic properties of micron-sized (m-BG) and nano-sized (n-BG) bioactive glass (BG) filled poly(D,L lactide) (PDLLA) composites were investigated. On the basis of cell culture work investigating the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by human fibroblasts in contact with composite films (0, 5, 10, 20 wt %), porous 3D composite scaffolds, optimised with respect to the BG filler content capable of inducing angiogenic response, were produced. The in vivo vascularisation of the scaffolds was studied in a rat animal model and quantified using stereological analyses. The prepared scaffolds had high porosities (81–93%), permeability (k = 5.4–8.6 × 10−9 m2) and compressive strength values (0.4–1.6 MPa) all in the range of trabecular bone. On composite films containing 20 wt % m-BG or n-BG, human fibroblasts produced 5 times higher VEGF than on pure PDLLA films. After 8 weeks of implantation, m-BG and n-BG containing scaffolds were well-infiltrated with newly formed tissue and demonstrated higher vascularisation and percentage blood vessel to tissue (11.6–15.1%) than PDLLA scaffolds (8.5%). This work thus shows potential for the regeneration of hard-soft tissue defects and increased bone formation arising from enhanced vascularisation of the construct. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of elastin on chondrocyte adhesion and proliferation within the structure of poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)/elastin composites. The homogenous 3D structure composites were constructed by using high pressure CO2 in two stages. Porous PCL structures with average pore sizes of 540 ± 21 μm and a high degree of interconnectivity were produced using gas foaming/salt leaching. The PCL scaffolds were then impregnated with elastin and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) under high pressure CO2. The effects of elastin and cross-linker concentrations on the characteristics of composites were investigated. Increasing the elastin concentration from 25mg/ml to 100mg/ml elevated the amount of cross-linked elastin inside the macropores of PCL. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that elastin was homogeneously distributed throughout the 3D structure of all composites. The weight gain of composites increased 2-fold from 15.8 ± 0.3 to 38.3 ± 0.7 (w/w) % by increasing the elastin concentration from 25mg/ml to 50mg/ml and approached a plateau above this concentration. The presence of elastin within the pores of PCL improved the water uptake properties of PCL scaffolds; the water uptake ratio of PCL was enhanced 100-fold from 0.030 ± 0.005g liquid/g polymer to 11.80 ± 0.01g liquid/g polymer, when the elastin solution concentration was 50mg/ml. These composites exhibited lower compressive modulus and energy loss compared to pure PCL scaffolds due to their higher water content and elasticity. In vitro studies show that these composites can support primary articular cartilage chondrocyte adhesion and proliferation within the 3D structures. These results demonstrate the potential of using PCL/elastin composites for cartilage repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been widely investigated for their clinical use in bone repair and it is known that a suitable carrier matrix to deliver them is essential for optimal bone regeneration within a specific defect site. Fused deposited modeling (FDM) allows for the fabrication of medical grade poly ɛ-caprolactone/tricalcium phosphate (mPCL–TCP) scaffolds with high reproducibility and tailor designed dimensions. Here we loaded FDM fabricated mPCL–TCP/collagen scaffolds with 5μg recombinant human (rh)BMP-2 and evaluated bone healing within a rat calvarial critical-sized defect. Using a comprehensive approach, this study assessed the newly regenerated bone employing micro-computed tomography (μCT), histology/histomorphometry, and mechanical assessments. By 15 weeks, mPCL–TCP/collagen/rhBMP-2 defects exhibited complete healing of the calvarium whereas the non-BMP-2-loaded scaffolds showed significant less bone ingrowth, as confirmed by μCT. Histomorphometry revealed significantly increased bone healing amongst the rhBMP-2 groups compared to non-treated scaffolds at 4 and 15 weeks, although the % BV/TV did not indicate complete mineralisation of the entire defect site. Hence, our study confirms that it is important to combine microCt and histomorphometry to be able to study bone regeneration comprehensively in 3D. A significant up-regulation of the osteogenic proteins, type I collagen and osteocalcin, was evident at both time points in rhBMP-2 groups. Although mineral apposition rates at 15 weeks were statistically equivalent amongst treatment groups, micro-compression and push-out strengths indicated superior bone quality at 15 weeks for defects treated with mPCL–TCP/collagen/rhBMP-2. Consistently over all modalities, the progression of healing was from empty defect

Abstract: Mimicking certain features (e.g. nanoscale topography and biological cues) of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) is advantageous for the successful regeneration of damaged tissue. In this study, nanofibrous gelatin/apatite (NF-gelatin/apatite) composite scaffolds have been fabricated to mimic both the physical architecture and chemical composition of natural bone ECM. A thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique was developed to prepare nanofibrous gelatin (NF-gelatin) matrix. The NF-gelatin matrix mimicked natural collagen fibers and had an average fiber diameter of about 150nm. By integrating the TIPS method with porogen leaching, three-dimensional NF-gelatin scaffolds with well-defined macropores were fabricated. In comparison to Gelfoam® (a commercial gelatin foam) with similar pore size and porosity, the NF-gelatin scaffolds exhibited a much higher surface area and mechanical strength. The surface area and compressive modulus of NF-gelatin scaffolds were more than 700 times and 10 times higher than that of Gelfoam®, respectively. The NF-gelatin scaffolds also showed excellent biocompatibility and mechanical stability. To further enhance pre-osteoblast cell differentiation as well as improving mechanical strength, bone-like apatite particles (<2μm) were incorporated onto the surface of NF-gelatin scaffolds via a simulated body fluid (SBF) incubation process. The NF-gelatin/apatite scaffolds 5 days after SBF treatment showed significantly higher mechanical strength than NF-gelatin scaffolds 5 days after SBF treatment. Furthermore, the incorporated apatite in the NF-gelatin/apatite composite scaffold enhanced the osteogenic differentiation. The expression of BSP and OCN in the osteoblast–(NF-gelatin/apatite composite) constructs was about 5 times and 2 times higher than in the osteoblast–(NF-gelatin) constructs 4 weeks after cell culture. The biomimetic NF-gelatin/apatite scaffolds are, therefore, excellent for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A well-defined mesoporous structure of wollastonite with high specific surface area was synthesized using surfactant P123 (triblock copolymer) as template, and its composite scaffolds with poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) were fabricated by a simple method of solvent casting-particulate leaching. The measurements of the water contact angles suggest that the incorporation of either mesoporous wollastonite (m-WS) or conventional wollastonite (c-WS) into PCL could improve the hydrophilicity of the composites, and the former was more effective than the later. The bioactivity of the composite scaffold was evaluated by soaking the scaffolds in a simulated body fluid (SBF) and the results show that the m-WS/PCL composite (m-WPC) scaffolds can induce a dense and continuous layer of apatite after soaking for 1 week, as compared with the scattered and discrete apatite particles on the c-WS/PCL composite (c-WPC) scaffolds. The m-WPC had a significantly enhanced apatite-forming bioactivity compared with the c-WPC owing to the high specific surface area and pore volume of m-WS. In addition, attachment and proliferation of MG63 cells on m-WPC scaffolds were significantly higher than that of c-WPC, revealing that m-WPC scaffolds had excellent biocompatibility. Such improved properties of m-WPC should be helpful for developing new biomaterials and may have potential use in hard tissue repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bone tissue engineering is a promising alternative to bone grafting. Scaffolds play a critical role in tissue engineering. Composite scaffolds made of biodegradable polymers and bone mineral-like inorganic compounds have been reported to be advantageous over plain polymer scaffolds by our group and others. In this study, we compared cellular and molecular events during the early periods of osteoblastic cell culture on poly(l-lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite (PLLA/HAP) composite scaffolds with those on plain PLLA scaffolds, and showed that PLLA/HAP scaffolds improved cell survival over plain PLLA scaffolds. Most cells (MC3T3-E1) on PLLA/HAP scaffolds survived the early culture. In contrast, about 50% of the cells initially adhered to the plain PLLA scaffolds were detached within the first 12h and showed characteristics of apoptotic cell death, which was confirmed by TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activation. To investigate the mechanisms, we examined the adsorption of serum protein and adhesion molecules to the scaffolds. The PLLA/HAP scaffold adsorbed more than 1.4 times of total serum protein and much greater amounts of serum fibronectin and vitronectin than pure PLLA scaffolds. Similarly, significantly larger amounts of individual adhesion proteins and peptides (fibronectin, vitronectin, RGD, and KRSR) were adsorbed on the PLLA/HAP scaffolds than on the PLLA scaffolds, which resulted in higher cell density on the PLLA/HAP scaffolds. Furthermore, β1 and β3 integrins and phosphorylation of Fak and Akt proteins in the cells on the PLLA/HAP scaffolds were significantly more abundent than those on PLLA scaffolds, which suggest that enhanced adsorption of serum adhesion proteins to PLLA/HAP scaffolds protect the cells from apoptosis possibly through the integrin–FAK–Akt pathway. These results demonstrate that biomimetic composite scaffolds are advantageous for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highly crystalline feedstock hydroxyapatite (HA) particles with irregular shapes were spheroidized by plasma spraying them onto the surface of ice blocks or into water. The spherical Ca–P particles thus produced contained various amounts of the amorphous phase which were controlled by the stand-off distance between the spray nozzle and the surface of ice blocks or water. The smooth surface morphology without cracks of spherical Ca–P particles indicated that there were very low thermal stresses in these particles. Plasma-sprayed Ca–P particles were highly bioactive due to their amorphous component and hence quickly induced the formation of bone-like apatite on their surfaces after they were immersed in an acellular simulated body fluid at 36.5°C. Bone-like apatite nucleated on dissolved surface (due to the amorphous phase) of individual Ca–P particles and grew to coalesce between neighboring Ca–P particles thus forming an integrated apatite plate. Bioactive and biodegradable composite scaffolds were produced by incorporating plasma-sprayed Ca–P particles into a degradable polymer. In vitro experiments showed that plasma-sprayed Ca–P particles enhanced the formation of bone-like apatite on the pore surface of Ca–P/PLLA composite scaffolds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]