Jingdi Chen

Characterization and biocompatibility of nanohybrid scaffold prepared via in situ crystallization of hydroxyapatite in chitosan matrix.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) precursor solution was first mixed with an acetic acid chitosan (CS) solution. The mixture was then lyophilized to form the original scaffold, which stored the HAP precursors. The nano HAP crystallized homogeneously from the CS matrix during the alkaline treatment to form a nanohybrid scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the fabrication process of the nanohybrid scaffold. XRD results showed that the in situ deposited mineral (HAP) in the scaffold has phase structure similar to natural bone. FTIR and XPS results indicated that CSs hydroxyl group, amino and amide regulated the nano HAP crystallization process, which resulted in the nano homogeneous distribution of nano HAP and provided nano topographical features for the nanohybrid scaffold. MTT testing and SEM images of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) cultures revealed the attachment and growth of hBMSCs in the biocomposite scaffold. Cell morphology and viability data showed that the nanohybrid composite scaffold is suitable for use in bioapplications.

Preparation and biocompatibility of nanohybrid scaffolds by in situ homogeneous formation of nano hydroxyapatite from biopolymer polyelectrolyte complex for bone repair applications.

The achievement of nano distribution for inorganic reinforced filler is a big challenge to three-dimensional porous composite scaffolds. In this paper, a homogeneous nano hydroxyapatite/polyelectrolyte complex (HAP/PEC) hybrid scaffold was developed and investigated. Based on the enhancing properties of the formation of PEC between chitosan and hyaluronic acid, the introduction of nano HAP via in situ crystallization from the PEC achieved nano distribution in the PEC matrix and supplied nano topographies of extracellular environments for the nanohybrid scaffold. The biocompatibility and bioactivity were evaluated by Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) proliferation (MTT assay), maturation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity) and histological analysis. The in vitro tests show the scaffold is excellent for cell penetration, growth, and proliferation and it is promising for bone repair application.

Fish collagen-based scaffold containing PLGA microspheres for controlled growth factor delivery in skin tissue engineering.

To design a scaffold controlled release system for skin tissue engineering, fish collagen/chitosan/chondroitin sulfate scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-drying and incorporated with bFGF-loaded PLGA microspheres (MPs). SEM showed that the scaffolds exhibited an interconnected porous structure, and the spherical MPs were uniformly distributed into the scaffolds. The higher swelling and degradation rate of scaffolds/MPs could lead to a higher diffusion rate of MPs from the scaffolds, causing an increase in the protein release. The release rate of proteins could be adjusted by the size of MPs and the ratio of collagen to chitosan of scaffolds. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and MTT of bFGF after release indicated that the released bFGF retained its structural integrity and bioactivity during preparation. Cell proliferation and in vivo evaluation results suggested that the scaffolds/MPs had a good biocompatibility and an ability to promote fibroblast cell proliferation and skin tissue regeneration. These results demonstrated that this scaffold/MP controlled release system has the potential for skin tissue engineering.

Preparation of chitosan/nano hydroxyapatite organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres for bone repair.

In this work, we encapsulated icariin (ICA) into chitosan (CS)/nano hydroxyapatite (nHAP) composite microspheres to form organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres for drug delivery carrier. The composition and morphology of composite microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry- thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA). Moreover, we further studied the performance of swelling properties, degradation properties and drug release behavior of the microspheres. ICA, the extract of traditional Chinese medicine-epimedium, was combined to study drug release properties of the microspheres. ICA loaded microspheres take on a sustained release behavior, which can be not only ascribed to electrostatic interaction between reactive negative hydroxyl (OH) of ICA and positive amine groups (NH₂) of CS, but also depended on the homogeneous dispersion of HAP nanoparticles inside CS organic matrix. In addition, the adhesion and morphology of osteoblasts were detected by inverted fluorescence microscopy. The biocompatibility of CS/nHAP/ICA microspheres was evaluated by the MTT cytotoxicity assay, Hoechst 33258 and PI fluorescence staining. These studies demonstrate that composite microspheres provide a suitable microenvironment for osteoblast attachment and proliferation. It can be speculated that the ICA loaded CS-based organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres might have potential applications in drug delivery systems.

Controllable self-assembly of mesoporous hydroxyapatite.

In this paper, mesoporous hydroxyapatite (HAp) of controllable pore size was tailored with the template of a biodegradable mono-alkyl phosphate (MAP) via a simple route by hydrothermal treatment. A serial study of the various experimental parameters on pore size of HAp was investigated. The additive amount of MAP and hydrothermal temperature were important factors for the pore structure and pore size. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BET, BJH) were used to characterize the structure and composition of the HAp samples. Both XRD and BJH results indicated that regular mesoporous HAp nanoparticles (with a mean pore size of 3.5nm) were successfully produced. As shown in transmission electron microscopy (TEM), orderly uniform pore structure appeared in the HAp particles. Because of the special structure of the MAP and the interaction between ionized MAP and other ions in solution, the product presents uniform mesoporous structure with well-defined pore size.

Biomimetic mineralized hierarchical hybrid scaffolds based on in situ synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan/chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronic acid for bone tissue engineering

Biomimetic mineralized hybrid scaffolds are widely used as natural bone substitute materials in tissue engineering by mimicking vital characters of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the fabrication of hybrid scaffolds with suitable mechanical properties and good biocompatibility remains a challenge. To solve the problems mentioned above, biomimetic calcium phosphate mineralized organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold composed of nano hydroxyapatite (nHAP), Chitosan (CS), Chondroitin sulfate (CSA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with hierarchical micro/nano structures was successfully developed. In this process, an efficient and easy-to-accomplish method combining in situ biomimetic synthesis with freeze-drying technology was applied. The chemical structure of the scaffolds was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface morphology of scaffolds was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nHAP/CS/CSA/HA hybrid scaffolds with a well-distributed pore size showed suitable mechanical strength which is not only due to the addition of the nHAP but also the interaction between the positively charged CS and the negatively charged CSA and HA. Simultaneously, the biocompatibility was evaluated by the MTT cytotoxicity assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining. All those results proved that the scaffolds possess good biocompatibility and the components added have enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast. Thus, it can be anticipated that the in situ biomimetic mineralized nHAP/CS/CAS/HA hybrid scaffolds will be promising candidates for bone tissue engineering.

Sequential delivery of chlorhexidine acetate and bFGF from PLGA-glycol chitosan core-shell microspheres.

Wound treatment should meet the challenge both of preventing infection and promoting wound healing. To design a sequential delivery system for wound healing, PLGA-glycol chitosan (GC) core-shell microspheres containing chlorhexidine acetate (CHA) at the GC shell and bFGF in the core of PLGA microspheres were fabricated using emulsion-solvent evaporation method. SEM showed that the microspheres were all spherical in shape with a smooth surface. The average size of PLGA-GC microspheres increased due to the GC coating on the surface. The results of release profiles and fluorescence images indicated that PLGA-GC microspheres had an ability to deliver drugs in sequence. The CHA was rapidly released, whereas the proteins presented a sustained release. The release behavior could be modulated by changing the GC amount. Antibacterial assay and cell proliferation tests suggested that the released CHA and bFGF retained their antimicrobial activity and bioactivity during preparation. The microspheres exhibited non-cytotoxicity against 3T3 cells and had a good biocompatibility. These results demonstrated that PLGA-GC core-shell microspheres could be a promising controlled release system of delivering drugs and proteins in sequence for wound healing.

Manipulation of partially oriented hydroxyapatite building blocks to form flowerlike bundles without acid-base regulation.

The application of hydroxyapatite (HAP) in different fields depends greatly on its morphology, composition and structure. Besides, the main inorganic building blocks of human bones and teeth are also HAP. Therefore, accurate shape and aggregation control and of hydroxyapatite particles will be of great interest. Herein, oriented bundles of flowerlike HAP nanorods were successfully prepared through hydrothermal treatment without acid-base regulation, with the mono-alkyl phosphate (MAP) and sodium citrate as surfactant and chelating agent, respectively. The prepared samples were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and zeta potential, the pH value and conductivity value of suspension were characterized by pH meter and conductivity measurement. The results showed that the MAP and citrate play an important role in assembly of HAP nanorods without acid-base regulation. Citrate calcium complex could decompose slowly and release citrate ions at hydrothermal conditions. Besides, the further decomposition of citrate ions could release aconitic acid as the reaction time prolongs. Moreover, the possible scheme for the formation process was discussed in detail.

In situ strategy for bone repair by facilitated endogenous tissue engineering.

Traditional tissue engineering procedures are expensive and time consuming. Facilitated endogenous tissue engineering (FETE) provides a solution that can avoid the ex vivo culture of autologous cells and initiate in situ reparative endogenous repair processes in vivo. This method involves fabricating a porous scaffold that mimics the environment present during the bone formation process, consisting of components that provide biomimetic interfacial interactions to cells. After the scaffold is implanted, progenitor cells provided by autologous bone marrow and surrounding tissues then differentiate to bone cells under the direction of the in situ scaffold. This paper reports a biomimetic method to prepare a hierarchically structured hybrid scaffold. Bone-like nano hydroxyapatite (HA) was crystallized from a collagen and chitosan (CC) matrix to form a porous scaffold. The in vivo study demonstrates that this nanohybrid scaffold supports excellent bone repair. This means that the FETE approach, in which the cell culture portion of traditional tissue engineering takes place in vivo, can promote the intrinsic regenerative potential of endogenous tissues.

Bioinspired double polysaccharides-based nanohybrid scaffold for bone tissue engineering

The fabrication of bone scaffolds with interconnected porous structure, adequate mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility presents a great challenge. Herein, a hybrid nanostructured chitosan/chondroitin sulfate/hydroxyapatite (ChS/CSA/HAP) in situ composite scaffold was prepared by in situ fabrication and freeze-drying technique. The composition and morphology of scaffold were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It proved that the low crystallinity of HAP crystals were uniformly distributed in ChS/CSA organic matrix and the nanostructured hybrid scaffold exhibited good mechanical property. The biocompatibility and in vitro bioactivity were detected by MTT-assay, maturation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity), Hoechst 33258 and PI fluorescence staining. In vitro tests indicated that the hybrid scaffold not only promoted the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts, but also improved the growth of the osteoblasts. Therefore, it is promising for bone repair application in bone tissue engineering.