Upregulation of bone cell differentiation through immobilization within a synthetic extracellular matrix

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Marta B Evangelista (Author) Other; Susan X Hsiong (Author) Other; Rui Fernandes (Author) Other; Paula Sampaio (Author) Other; Hyun Joon Kong (Author) Other; Cristina C Barrias (Author) Other; Roberto Salema (Author) Other; Mario A Barbosa (Author) FEUP; David J Mooney (Author) Other; Pedro L Granja (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Biomaterials

Vol. 28

Pages: 3644-3655

ISSN: 0142-9612

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 82 Citations

Scopus - 84 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Environmental biotechnology

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Biomaterial engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-7M7

DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.04.028

Abstract (EN): There is a need for new therapeutic strategies to treat bone defects caused by trauma, disease or tissue loss. Injectable systems for cell transplantation have the advantage of allowing the use of minimally invasive surgical procedures, and thus for less discomfort to patients. In the present study, it is hypothesized that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-coupled in a binary (low and high molecular weight) injectable alginate composition is able to influence bone cell differentiation in a three-dimensional (3D) structure. Viability, metabolic activity, cytoskeleton organization, ultrastructure and differentiation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), von Kossa, alizarin red stainings and osteocalcin quantification) of immobilized cells were assessed. Cells within RGD-modified alginate microspheres were able to establish more interactions with the synthetic extracellular matrix as visualized by confocal laser scanning microscope and transmission electron microscopy imaging, and presented a much higher level of differentiation (more intense ALP and mineralization stainings and higher levels of osteocalcin secretion) when compared to cells immobilized within unmodified alginate microspheres. These findings demonstrate that peptides covalently coupled to alginate were efficient in influencing cell behavior within this 3D system, and may provide adequate preparation of osteoblasts for cell transplantation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12