Embedded Silica Nanoparticles in Poly(Caprolactone) Nanofibrous Scaffolds Enhanced Osteogenic Potential for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) has been frequently considered for bone tissue engineering because of its excellent biocompatibility. A drawback, however, of PCL is its inadequate mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering and its inadequate bioactivity to promote bone tissue regeneration from mesenchymal stem cells. To correct this deficiency, this work investigates the addition of nanoparticles of silica (nSiO(2)) to the scaffold to take advantage of the known bioactivity of silica as an osteogenic material and also to improve the mechanical properties through nanoscale reinforcement of the PCL fibers. The nanocomposite scaffolds and the pristine PCL scaffolds were evaluated physicochemically, mechanically, and biologically in the presence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results indicated that, when the nanoparticles of size approximately 10 nm (concentrations of 0.5% and 1% w/v) were embedded within, or attached to, the PCL nanofibers, there was a substantial increase in scaffold strength, protein adsorption, and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. These nSiO(2) nanoparticles, when directly added to the cells evidently pointed to ingestion of these particles by the cells followed by cell death. The polymer nanofibers appeared to protect the cells by preventing ingestion of the silica nanoparticles, while at the same time adequately exposing them on fiber surfaces for their desired bioactivity.

Nanoclay-Enriched Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) Electrospun Scaffolds for Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…In a similar study, the incorporation of bioactive nanoparticles such as silica (SiO 2 ) to electrospun PCL was shown to induce and support osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. 20 They observed that the addition of silica enhanced ALP activity and up-regulated the production of osteo-related extracellular proteins. 20 Taken together, our results suggest that the addition of nanoclay to PCL scaffolds sustained and enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of seeded hMSCs, when compared to only the PCL.…”

“…20 They observed that the addition of silica enhanced ALP activity and up-regulated the production of osteo-related extracellular proteins. 20 Taken together, our results suggest that the addition of nanoclay to PCL scaffolds sustained and enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of seeded hMSCs, when compared to only the PCL. The increase in the hMSCs proliferation rate, followed by the burst in the ALP activity and the subsequent mineralization, are features that are of major importance when aiming at the designing of bioactive matrix for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.…”

“…19 The addition of silica (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles within electrospun PCL fibers also enhances the physical and chemical properties of the fibrous scaffolds. 20 Despite interesting physical, chemical, and biological properties, nanoparticle-reinforced PCL scaffolds lack osteogenic characteristics. Nanoclays, also known as synthetic silicates, have shown to improve physical and mechanical properties of polymeric structures.…”

A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Various Materials in the Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with a Special Focus on the Association of Heat Shock Proteins and Nanoparticles

“…The osteogenic differentiation was enhanced in human osteoblasts seeded on PCL-rod nHA compared to those on PCL or PCLspherical nHA and provided the optimal niche for differentiation of adipose-derived MSCs. Ganesh et al [2012] recently showed that silica nanoparticles with a size of approximately 10 nm (concentrations of 0.5 and 1% w/v) were enforced within, or attached to, PCL nanofibers. These silica-PCL nanofibers enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs; however, the inclusion of silica nanoparticles in the culture medium resulted in ingestion followed by cell death [Ganesh et al, 2012].…”

Nanotechnology in dentistry: prevention, diagnosis, and therapy

“…Owing to their large surface area relative to volume, the surface-related properties are dominant, and these include surface reactivity, protein adsorption, and surface degradation, which ultimately control the cellular behaviors. 210,211 Dentin and pulp are one of the most widely explored dental tissues utilizing the nanofibrous scaffolds. Nanofibrous scaffolds can be produced either by phase-separation, electrospinning, or peptide synthesis approach.…”