Journal of Functional Biomaterials (Aug 2024)

Novel Chitosan-Gelatin Scaffold with Valproic Acid Augments In Vitro Osteoblast Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

  • Maha Alghofaily,
  • Fahd Alsalleeh,
  • Lamees Alssum,
  • Manikandan Muthurangan,
  • Musaad Alfayez,
  • Michael D. Weir,
  • Hockin H. K. Xu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15090252
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 9
p. 252

Abstract

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The study aimed to develop a biodegradable scaffold incorporating valproic acid (VPA) for improved human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) proliferation, differentiation, and bone mineral synthesis. A chitosan–gelatin (CH-G) scaffold was fabricated and loaded with varying concentrations of VPA (1, 3, 5 mM/L). In vitro studies assessed drug release, cell proliferation, morphology, mineralization, and gene expression. VPA was rapidly released from the scaffold, with over 90% cumulative release within seven days. Cells cultured on VPA-loaded scaffolds exhibited significantly enhanced proliferation and mineralization compared to the control. VPA treatment upregulated osteocalcin and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2) expression, key markers of osteogenic differentiation. The CH-G scaffold, particularly with 1 mM/L VPA, demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and promotes hBMSC-mediated bone regeneration. This novel approach holds promise for future applications in bone tissue engineering.

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