Bone is the second most transplanted tissue in the world, resulting in increased demand for bone grafts leading to the fabrication of synthetic scaffold grafting alternatives. Fracture sites are under increased oxidative stress after injuries, affecting osteoblast function and hindering fracture healing and remodeling. To counter oxidative stress, free radical scavenging agents, such as cerium oxide nanoparticles, have gained traction in tissue engineering. Toward the goal of developing a functional synthetic system for bone tissue engineering, we characterized the biocompatibility of a porous, bioactive, free radical scavenging nanocomposite scaffold composed of poly (1,8 octanediol-co-citrate), beta-tricalcium phosphate, and cerium oxide nanoparticles. We studied cellular and tissue compatibility utilizing in vitro and in vivo models to assess nanocomposite interactions with both human osteoblast cells and rat subcutaneous tissue. We found the scaffolds were biocompatible in both models and supported cell attachment, proliferation, mineralization, and infiltration. Using hydrogen peroxide, we simulated oxidative stress to study the protective properties of the nanocomposite scaffolds via a reduction in cytotoxicity and recovered mineralization of osteoblast cells in vitro. We also found after implantation in vivo the scaffolds exhibited biocompatible properties essential for successful scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Cells were able to infiltrate through the scaffolds, the surrounding tissues elicited a minimal immune response, and there were signs of scaffold degradation after 30 days of implantation.After the array of biological characterization, we had confirmed the development of a nanocomposite scaffold system capable of supporting bone-remodeling processes while providing a protective free radical scavenging effect. K E Y W O R D S biocompatibility, cerium, free radical scavenging, human osteoblasts, nanocomposite scaffolds, subcutaneous implant
Wound care is one of the leading health care problems in the United States costing billions of dollars yearly. Annually, millions of acute wounds occur due to surgical procedures or traumas such as burns and abrasions, and these wounds can become non-healing due to bacterial infection or underlying pathologies. Current wound care treatments include the use of bioinert constructs combined with topical administration of anti-bacterial agents and growth factors. However, there is a growing need for the development of bioactive wound dressing materials that are able to promote wound healing and the regeneration of healthy tissue. In this work, we evaluate and report the use of a novel electrospun polymeric scaffold consisting of poly (1,8 octanediol-co-citrate) and poly (acrylic acid) for wound healing applications. The scaffold exhibits intrinsic antibacterial activity, hydrogel-like water uptake abilities, and the ability to deliver physiologically relevant concentrations of growth factor. Additionally, the scaffold shows antibacterial function when tested with bacteria relevant to wound healing applications. Biological characterization of the electrospun scaffold shows excellent cellular adhesion, low cytotoxicity, and enhanced proliferation of skin fibroblasts. This work has potential towards the development of novel bioactive scaffolds for prevention of bacterial infiltration into the wound bed and enhanced healing.
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