Janus 3D printed dynamic scaffolds for nanovibration-driven bone regeneration

Nat Commun. 2021 Feb 15;12(1):1031. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21325-x.

Abstract

The application of physical stimuli to cell cultures has shown potential to modulate multiple cellular functions including migration, differentiation and survival. However, the relevance of these in vitro models to future potential extrapolation in vivo depends on whether stimuli can be applied "externally", without invasive procedures. Here, we report on the fabrication and exploitation of dynamic additive-manufactured Janus scaffolds that are activated on-command via external application of ultrasounds, resulting in a mechanical nanovibration that is transmitted to the surrounding cells. Janus scaffolds were spontaneously formed via phase-segregation of biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactide (PLA) blends during the manufacturing process and behave as ultrasound transducers (acoustic to mechanical) where the PLA and PCL phases represent the active and backing materials, respectively. Remote stimulation of Janus scaffolds led to enhanced cell proliferation, matrix deposition and osteogenic differentiation of seeded human bone marrow derived stromal cells (hBMSCs) via formation and activation of voltage-gated calcium ion channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradable Plastics / chemistry
  • Biodegradable Plastics / pharmacology*
  • Bone Regeneration / genetics
  • Bone and Bones / cytology
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Polyesters / pharmacology*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Ultrasonic Waves

Substances

  • Biodegradable Plastics
  • Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels
  • Polyesters
  • polycaprolactone
  • poly(lactide)

Associated data

  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13537100
  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13537067
  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13537022
  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13537007
  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13536986
  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13536977
  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13536959