ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2018 Aug 16. doi: 10.1021/acsami.8b10886. [Epub ahead of print]

Matrix Vesicles-Containing Microreactors as Support for Bone-Like Osteoblast Cells to Enhance Biomineralization.

Itel F, Skovhus Thomsen J, Städler B.

Abstract

Therapeutic cell mimicry aims to provide a source of cell-like assemblies, which exhibits the core structural or functional properties of their natural counterparts with broad envisioned applications in biomedicine. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims at promoting and inciting the natural healing process of for instance critically-sized bone defects. Microreactors designed to co-assemble with biological bone-forming osteoblast like SaOS-2 cells to kick-start biomineralization are reported for the first time. The alginate-based microparticles are equipped with active alkaline phosphatase-loaded artificial liposomes or SaOS-2 derived matrix vesicles (MVs). Spheroids assembled from SaOS-2 cells and microreactors not only exhibit higher cell viability, but also show enhanced biomineralization when MVs are present. The active biomineralization stimulation of the microreactors is illustrated by colorimetric calcium quantification and micro-computed tomography (µCT). These findings show the promising potential of applying cell mimicry in BTE.