Aug 2026· Materials Research Express· Vol 13, pp. 165401· 0 citations· 39 references
Physics
TL;DR
It is demonstrated that the PCL/Gel/IL-4 membrane synergistically improves physical properties, release behavior, osteogenic capacity, and immunomodulation, offering a promising multi-functional platform for bone regeneration.
Abstract
Developing multifunctional scaffolds that combine tailored physical properties with bioactivity is essential for advanced bone tissue engineering. This study fabricated an interleukin-4 (IL-4)-loaded polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL-Gel) nanofiber membrane via electrospinning. Incorporating Gel significantly refined fiber diameter (978 ± 324 nm, 883 ± 234 nm for PCL), increased surface roughness, and improved hydrophilicity, reducing the water contact angle from 161.3° to 43.3°. IL-4 was successfully encapsulated without altering fiber morphology. The composite membrane exhibited a sustained release profile with a low initial burst (20%–30%) and high cumulative release (>85% over 30 d). In vitro, the PCL/Gel/IL-4 scaffold markedly promoted the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which was demonstrated by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and enhanced deposition of mineralized nodules. Moreover, it induced a shift in macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype, accompanied by elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory mediators Arg-1 and IL-10 and downregulating pro-inflammatory genes. These results demonstrate that the PCL/Gel/IL-4 membrane synergistically improves physical properties, release behavior, osteogenic capacity, and immunomodulation, offering a promising multi-functional platform for bone regeneration.
These findings underscore the dual function of rGO in simultaneously improving the mechanical integrity and osteogenic capacity of CMC-based scaffolds, with 0.5%-1% rGO identified as the optimal concentration window for bone tissue engineering applications.
Ronghui Zhou, Yanjun Lin, Xiaojing Zhu et al.· Journal of Biomedical Materi...· 0 citations
Introduction and aims Nanomaterials hold great promise for applications in bone tissue engineering. Dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) lysate, as a kind of intracellular lysate, has attracted increasing attention as a bioactive, cell-free therapeutic component in bone tissue engineering. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), a zinc-based MOF with sodalite topology, features high surface area, porosity and stability under physiological conditions. Its excellent biocompatibility, pH-responsive degradability and drug-loading capacity make it widely applicable in drug delivery. Methods In this study, we developed a strategy for delivering DPSC lysate by encapsulating it within Poloxamer hydrogel and ZIF-8 nanoparticles, successfully synthesising IV@ZIF-8@Poloxamer Hydrogel (INZG). Results The resulting INZG exhibited excellent biocompatibility and supported cell viability. In vitro and vivo experiments demonstrated that INZG possessed outstanding osteogenic and angiogenic properties, promoting bone and blood vessel formation via activation of the P38/MAPK and PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT signalling pathways, respectively. Conclusion In summary, this study is the first to propose that INZG possess excellent biocompatibility and bioactive functions that promote both osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation. Clinical relevance This study provides a safe and effective new strategy for the treatment of various bone defects and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of vascularised bone scaffolds.
Fang-Xuan Hu, Dongdong Xu, Wenjia Hu et al.· International Dental Journal· 0 citations
The results showed that the composite scaffolds effectively improved the inflammatory microenvironment in the defect region, promoted macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, enhanced cellular osteogenic activity and mineralization, and facilitated new bone formation and tissue reconstruction.
Fang Tong, Ting-Ting Lu, Lu Tang et al.· Journal of materials chemist...· 0 citations
Guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes with osteoinductive and angiogenic capabilities are essential for the effective repair of large bone defects. In this study, we design and fabricate a biomimetic bilayer GBR membrane composed of a nano-hydroxyapatite/type I collagen/ polycaprolactone (HC layer) and chitosan/ polycaprolactone (CP layer) composite via electrospinning strategy. The core-shell fibrous architecture replicates the natural periosteum's fibrous hierarchy and provides controlled collagen release, mechanical integrity, and enhanced interfacial functionality. The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the membranes were comprehensively characterized, and in vitro assays demonstrated excellent cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts on the bilayered membrane. In addition, the membrane promoted endothelial cell migration, tube formation, and upregulation of angiogenesis-related genes, confirming its pro-angiogenic capacity. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation using a critical-sized rat calvarial defect model revealed that the bilayered membrane significantly enhanced new bone formation compared to commercial HAO membranes, as confirmed by micro-CT and histological analysis. This work provides a mechanically robust, biologically active, and structurally biomimetic GBR membrane capable of promoting both osteogenesis and angiogenesis in a coordinated manner. The proposed strategy offers promising potential for the clinical treatment of complex bone defects.
A multifunctional CeO2/PCL nanofibrous scaffold integrating real-time pH sensing, enhanced stem cell adhesion, and antioxidant functions was developed and exhibited significant antibacterial activity, potent reactive oxygen species scavenging capability, and excellent biocompatibility.
Chunyu Chi, Yuantao Gao, Jiazhu Chen et al.· ACS Applied Bio Materials· 0 citations
Osteochondral defects have become a common clinical problem. The cartilage-bone interface is complex, and regenerative biomaterials are limited. This is the first study to integrate Continuous plastic flow synthesis (CPFS) derived Zn-doped hydroxyapatite into an electrospun PVA nanofibrous membrane for osteochondral repair. Combined structural and spectroscopic analysis revealed a preserved apatite lattice after zinc integration, with a strong inorganic-polymeric interfacial interaction. The fabricated membrane exhibited smooth nanofibers with an average diameter of 272 ± 2.21 nm, in which Zn-HA was uniformly dispersed. The nanofibrous membrane exhibited considerably better antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Zn-HA. In vitro results confirmed good viability of osteoblasts. In vivo assessment in an osteochondral defect model revealed nearly complete defect repair after 8 weeks, with well-organized trabecular bone formation and restoration of the bone-cartilage structure without a significant inflammatory response. Collectively, these findings reveal synergistic osteoregenerative and antibacterial activity, suggesting that the nanofibrous membrane may serve as a potential material for osteochondral tissue engineering.
Sadaf Ameen, Aneela Anwar, Javeria Zahid et al.· European Journal of Pharmace...· 0 citations
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