We have developed composite scaffold for bone regeneration based on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibres enriched with either hydroxyapatite (HA) or bioactive molecules. Scaffolds were optimized for the desired release of compounds and for osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Similarly, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPCs) were studied for their osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation.
We have developed cell-free composite nanofibrous scaffolds stimulating osteochondral regeneration in rabbits. Different 3D scaffolds based on hydrogels were tested with bioactive supplements in order to control chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Moreover, SmartBonePep®, xeno-hybrid organic graft with bioactive peptides for bone regeneration stimulated osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. We prepared hybrid nanofibers functionalized with plasmonic TiN NPs. They open up new avenues for theranostic applications. Advances in hybrid nanofibers for biomedical applications were studied. A new 3D-printed chamber for a bioreactor for dynamic cell culture on scaffolds was developed.
Nano-and microfibres from a block copolymer of PCL and poly(lactic acid) and HA. Fibres exhibited pores with a diameter in nanoscale range and supported osteosarcoma cells´growth. We have developed microparticles containing kartogenin using electrospraying. The tuneable release was observed from PLGA particles or as a blend of PLGA with with polyethyleneglycol or polyvinylpyrrolidone.
Both blend and coaxial electrospinning equally preserved ALP bioactivity at ca.100%. ALP activity decreased by coaxial electrospraying, but not blend electrospraying. Electrospinning and electrospraying of scaffolds containing proteins were studied. Electrospun scaffolds from PCL containing alendronate (ALN), an anti-osteoporotic drug, and HA nanoparticles were developed. Scaffolds with ALN implanted into defects of osteoporotic rats and control animals supported formation of bone tissue in the vicinity of scaffold residues and in the tissue surrounding the former defect.
MSCs and fibroblasts were cultures in medium containing platelet proteins in plasma, pure platelet proteins in deionized water, and pure plasma. The highest proliferation and viability of cells were found in the group containing both plasma and plasma proteins.
Catalase was covalently bound to the surface of PCL nanofibres, and retained its enzymatic activity; loading remained attached after six days. Osteochondral defects treatment using nanofibres and 3D printed scaffolds and cells, and piezoelectric materials in bone regeneration were studied.
SmartBonePep® for bone regeneration represents a significant advancement resulting from the iP-OSTEO project, with potential applications in clinical settings pending further development and regulatory approvals. The design of 3D chamber for dynamic culture was protected and will be offered commercially. Alcian blue and PAS histological staining were successfully combined and applied on samples prepared by laser cutting. Laser cutting and the combined staining are available commercially. The other results, including 2D and 3D bioactive scaffolds, obtained during the project are present in protocols, including SOPs, demonstrators, reports or know-how and will be implemented in further research or business. The cooperation led to novel projects submission.
Results were presented at conferences, seminars, webinars, and during different events for the public e.g Night of Scientists, Week of Academy of Sciences, Science Fest, on website, and published in 13 articles with impact factor.
