Abstract

Polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds with silicate bioceramic nanoparticles could enhance osseous regeneration via the tissue engineering process. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of surface modified electrospun poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous scaffolds coated with akermanite nanoparticles, on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). The Akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) nanoparticles have unique properties such as osteostimulatory features, mechanical stability, good bioactivity and biodegradability, hence they were selected and coated on surface modified electrospun PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds. Thereafter, hAMSCs were seeded on the mentioned scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to study the structure of nanofibers and evaluate cell morphology, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed to assess the coating of nanoparticles on the scaffolds. The biocompatibility of scaffolds was studied by MTT assay. Bone related markers such as Calcium content, alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red staining were assayed while bone related gene expression (Alkaline phosphatase, Osteonectin, Osteocalcin) was evaluated by real time RT-PCR examination. Results showed that prepared scaffold could promote osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs.