18.3.4 - Osteotransduction of an aragonite-based scaffold by human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
- K. Zaslav (Richmond, US)
- D. Robinson (PetahTikwa, IL)
- N. Altschuler (Kfar Saba, IL)
- E. Kon (Milano, IT)
- L. Hangody (Budapest, HU)
- K. Zaslav (Richmond, US)
- Á. Berta (Budapest, HU)
Abstract
Purpose
Some aragonite-based scaffolds exhibit osteoconductive properties and are considered useful bone repair scaffolds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro osteotransductive potential of the bone phase of a novel aragonite-based bi-phasic osteochondral scaffold (Agili-CTM, CartiHeal Ltd.).
Methods and Materials
Adult human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) grown in osteogenic medium (Lonza Group Ltd., Basel, Switzerland) were assessed. The study was designed to compare the effect of the bone phase of the Agili-C implant, a coral-derived aragonite scaffold on human BM-MSCs compared to cells grown in an optimal differentiation medium without scaffolds. Analyses were performed at several time intervals: 3, 7, 14, 21, 28- and 42-days post-seeding. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by morphological characterisation using light microscopy after Alizarin red and von Kossa staining, and scanning electron microscopy. The transcript levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate (BGLAP), osteonectin (SPARC) and osteopontin (SPP1) were determined by quantitative PCR. Proliferation was assessed.
Results
Cell cultures of human BM-MSC's demonstrate that the bone phase of the bi-phasic aragonite-based scaffold supports bone formation through enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs at both the molecular and histological levels. The scaffold was colonized by differentiating MSCs, suggesting its suitability for incorporation into bone voids to accelerate bone healing, remodelling and regeneration. The mechanism of direct bone formation involves scaffold surface modification with de novo production of calcium phosphate deposits, as revealed by energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses. Scanning the scaffold surface revealed the presence of a microstructure deposit exhibiting a unique morphology (Figure 1) supporting cell attachment (Figure 2).
Conclusion
This implant may promote a fast growth of high-quality bone during the repair of osteochondral lesions. The implant seemed to enhance proliferation of MSCs and formation of multilayer cultures onto its surface.