Enhanced osteogenic proliferation and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells on a porous n-HA/PGS-M composite scaffold

This study explored the applicability, cellular efficacy, and osteogenic activities of porous nano-hydroxyapatite/Poly (glycerol sebacate)-grafted maleic anhydride (n-HA/PGS-g-M) composite scaffolds. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses indicated that approximately 43% of the hydroxide radicals in PGS were displaced by maleic anhydride. Resonance bands at 1036 cm(−1) occurred in scaffolds containing nHA powders, and peak areas increased when n-HA weight increased in PGS-M-n-HA-0.4, PGS-M-n-HA-0.5, and PGS-M-n-HA-0.6 scaffolds. The n-HA/PGS-g-M composite scaffolds exhibited porous microstructure with average pore size of 150–300 µm in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) identified the glass transition temperature (Tg) as −25–30 °C, indicative of quality resilience. The modulus of compressibility increased when n-HA content increased. Interestingly, viability of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in vitro and expression of the osteogenic related genes RUNX2, OCN, and COL1A1 was enhanced in the n-HA/PGS-g-M composite scaffolds compared to those factors observed in PGS-g-M scaffolds. Finally, simulated body fluid (SBF) tests indicated more apatite deposits on the surface of n-HA/PGS-g-M scaffolds compared to PGS-g-M scaffolds. Overall, porous n-HA/PGS-g-M composite scaffolds possessed acceptable biocompatibility and mechanical properties, and they stimulated hADSC cell proliferation and differentiation. Given these qualities, the composite scaffolds have potential applications in bone tissue engineering.