Central South University Researchers Update Understanding of Tissue Engineering (Aptamer-functionalized hydrogels promote bone healing by selectively recruiting endogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells).

A recent report discusses research conducted by Central South University in China on tissue engineering and bone regeneration. The study focuses on the challenge of recruiting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for in situ bone regeneration. The researchers developed a novel BMSC-aptamer functionalized hydrogel (BMSC-aptgel) and found that it significantly increased BMSC recruitment, migration, osteogenic differentiation, and biocompatibility. In vivo studies showed that the functionalized hydrogels effectively recruited BMSCs at the fracture site, leading to enhanced new bone formation and mineralization. The study suggests that the BMSC-aptgel could be a promising strategy for promoting in situ bone regeneration. [Extracted from the article]