Hierarchically structured phycocyanin-loaded micro/nanofibrous membrane for guided bone regeneration

Abstract

Although bone tissues possess an excellent inherent repair capacity, the ability to repair bone defects associated with osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, and congenital anomalies remains challenging. Several previous studies have developed biomaterials such as hydrogels, three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, and nanofibrous scaffolds using synthetic and natural biomaterials that can deliver bioactive natural products to accelerate bone repair. Here, we evaluated the cytotoxicity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineral deposition capacity of MC3T3-E1 cells treated with Spirulina maxima-derived phycocyanin (PC), as well as the effects of PC on the expression of osteogenic protein markers such as osteocalcin and osteopontin in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, we fabricated a PC-loaded poly lactic acid (PLA) and sodium alginate (SA) micro/nanofibrous membrane using emulsion electrospinning technology and generated hierarchically structured membranes using atelocollagen (AC) isolated from Paralichthys olivaceus. The microstructural architecture and physicochemical properties of the fabricated fibrous membranes were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and water contact angle analyses. The fabricated hierarchically structured micro/nanofibrous membrane exhibited excellent in vitro biocompatibility, cytoskeleton organization, and mineral deposition. The fibrous membranes implanted into calvarial bone defect models were evaluated 12 weeks after surgery using micro-CT and histological analysis and the results confirmed that the implant could significantly enhance bone tissue regeneration. Overall, our findings confirmed that PC loaded hierarchically arranged micro/nanofibrous membranes have significant potential for bone tissue regeneration applications.