title: Enhanced cell ingrowth and proliferation through three-dimensional nanocomposite scaffolds with controlled pore structures.
abstract: We present enhanced cell ingrowth and proliferation through cross-linked three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite scaffolds fabricated using poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles. Scaffolds with controlled internal pore structures were produced from computer-aided design (CAD) models and solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technique, while those with random pore structures were fabricated by a NaCl leaching technique for comparison. The morphology and mechanical properties of scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing, respectively. Pore interconnectivity of scaffolds was assessed using X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and 3D imaging analysis. In vitro cell studies have been performed using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts and cultured scaffolds in a rotating-wall-vessel bioreactor for 4 and 7 days to assess cell attachment, viability, ingrowth depth, and proliferation. The mechanical properties of cross-linked nanocomposite scaffolds were not significantly different after adding HA or varying pore structures. However, pore interconnectivity of PPF/HA nanocomposite scaffolds with controlled pore structures has been significantly increased, resulting in enhanced cell ingrowth depth 7 days after cell seeding. Cell attachment and proliferation are also higher in PPF/HA nanocomposite scaffolds. These results suggest that cross-linked PPF/HA nanocomposite scaffolds with controlled pore structures may lead to promising bone tissue engineering scaffolds with excellent cell proliferation and ingrowth.
authors.affiliation: Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Kee-Won
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Shanfeng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Mahrokh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dadsetan
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Yaszemski
authors.forename: Lichun
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053761:Nanocomposites; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed