Gelatin-methacrylate microspheres loaded with tendon-derived stem cells facilitate tendinopathy healing

Xufeng Mao; Xiqian Zhang; Haofeng Qiu; Zheyu Yao; Sengyi Wu; Xiang Gao; Jiyuan Zhao; Haijiao Mao

Materials & Design (Aug 2024)

Gelatin-methacrylate microspheres loaded with tendon-derived stem cells facilitate tendinopathy healing

Xufeng Mao,
Xiqian Zhang,
Haofeng Qiu,
Zheyu Yao,
Sengyi Wu,
Xiang Gao,
Jiyuan Zhao,
Haijiao Mao

Affiliations

Xufeng Mao: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Xiqian Zhang: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Haofeng Qiu: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing 210094, PR China; Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engneering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Zheyu Yao: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Sengyi Wu: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Xiang Gao: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Jiyuan Zhao: Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China; Corresponding authors at: Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, City, State, Postal code, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China (J. Zhao). Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, 59 Liuting Street, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315010, PR China (H. Mao).
Haijiao Mao: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China; Corresponding authors at: Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, City, State, Postal code, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China (J. Zhao). Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, 59 Liuting Street, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315010, PR China (H. Mao).

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 244
p. 113169

Abstract

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Tendon injuries are very common in orthopedic practice and can lead to constant pain, disability, and huge financial burden on society. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) may be helpful for the treatment of chronic micro-injury disease of the tendons. In vitro, GelMA microspheres were physically evaluated and assessed for their biological effects on TDSCs, including adhesion, proliferation, and ability to differentiate into tendons, and were also analyzed by sequencing at the RNA level and validated for relevant signaling pathways. A rat Achilles tendon microinjury model was used to evaluate the effect of GelMA microspheres combined with TDSCs on tendon repair. GelMA microspheres promoted adhesion, proliferation, and early tendinous differentiation of TDSCs. TDSCs were able to secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix and activate RAS/ERK signaling in the GelMA microenvironment. In vivo, injection of TDSCs-loaded GelMA microspheres promoted repair of Achilles tendon microinjury. GelMA microspheres and TDSCs synergistically promote Achilles tendon regeneration with the involvement of the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.

Published in Materials & Design

ISSN: 0264-1275 (Print); 1873-4197 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/materials-and-design

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