The fabrication of halloysite nanotube-based multicomponent hydrogel scaffolds for bone healing

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering, as an alternative for common available therapeutic approaches, has been developed to focus on reconstructing of the missing tissues and restoring their functionality. In this work, three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite scaffolds of polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCEC/Gel) were prepared by freeze-drying method. Biocompatible nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe3O4) and halloysite nanotube (HNT) powders were added to the polymer matrix aiming to combine the osteogenic activity of nHA or Fe3O4 with high mechanical strength of HNT. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods was utilized to characterize the nanotube morphology of HNT as well as nanoparticles of Fe3O4 and nHA. Prepared scaffolds were characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and SEM methods. In addition, the physical behavior of scaffolds was evaluated to explore the influence of HNT on the physicochemical properties of composites. Cell viability and attachment were investigated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)−2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay and SEM on human dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (h-DPSCs) in-vitro. Cell proliferation was observed without any cytotoxicity effect on h-DPSCs for all examined scaffolds. Alizarin red (ARS) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining were carried out to determine the osteoconductivity of scaffolds. The data demonstrated that all PCEC/Gel/HNT hydrogel scaffolds supported osteoblast differentiation of hDPSCs with moderate effects on cell proliferation. Moreover, PCEC/Gel/HNT/nHA with proper mechanical strength showed better biological activity compared to PCEC/Gel/HNT/Fe3O4 and PCEC/Gel/HNT scaffolds. Therefore, this study suggested that with proper fillers content, PCEC/Gel/HNT nanocomposite hydrogels alone or in a complex with nHA, Fe3O4 could be a suitable candidate for hard tissue regeneration.

Clindamycin-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes as the Antibacterial Component of Composite Hydrogel for Bone Repair

“…The presence of HNT did not negatively influence the biocompatibility of the material and promoted cell adhesion. The nanocomposite of polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone/gelatin and HNT (PCEC/Gel/HNT) promoted the differentiation of stem cells (hDPSCs) [ 17 ]. The presence of nanotubes increased the surface and its roughness, facilitating the scaffold’s interactions with cells.…”

Calcium Orthophosphate–Clay Composites—Preparation, Characterisation, and Applications: A Review

“…An increasing number of hydrogel/polymer hybrid composites have been fabricated to improve mechanical properties and osteogenic performance. Same et al [90] developed 3D porous amphiphilic scaffolds based on a PCL/polyethylene/gelatine multipolymer system for the incorporation of HNT/HA/Fe 2 O 3 to improve hydrogel surface properties in cell adhesion, migration, and osteogenesis.…”

Halloysite-Based Magnetic Nanostructures for Diverse Applications: A Review

“…Additionally, the mechanical performance of the scaffolds was improved by incorporating 3% HNT into PCEC/Gel, and the osteoinductivity of hDPSCs was enhanced in the freeze-dried HNT hydrogel scaffold at a weight ratio of 1:1 in the nHA/HNT, HNT/HNT, and Fe 3 O 4 /HNT scaffolds. These new scaffolds exhibit superior biological and mechanical properties and can serve as a promising multicomponent hydrogel scaffold for bone tissue regeneration …”

“…These new scaffolds exhibit superior biological and mechanical properties and can serve as a promising multicomponent hydrogel scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. 162 A novel magnetic nanobiocomposite was synthesized using sodium alginate hydrogel, a CaCl 2 cross-linker, silk fibroin, halloysite nanotubes, and in situ Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles. This nanobiocomposite was specifically designed for use in magnetic fluid hyperthermia cancer treatment, and its structural stability and homogeneity in aqueous media were confirmed through various spectroscopic and microscopic analyses.…”