Osteogenic differentiation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells in thermo-reversible hydrogel constructs containing hydroxyapatite and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2)

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ectopic bone formation in a three-dimensional hybrid scaffold in combination with hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly(NiPAAm-co-AAc) as an injectable vehicle in the form of a supporting matrix for the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in the hybrid scaffold was greatly influenced by the addition of growth factors. When the osteoinduction activity of hybrid scaffold was studied following implantation into the back subcutis of nude mouse in terms of histological and biochemical examinations, significantly homogeneous bone formation was histologically observed throughout the hybrid scaffolds containing growth factor (BMP-2: bone morphogenic protein-2). The level of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content at the implanted sites of hybrid scaffolds were significantly high for the perfusion group compared with those in static culture group. We conclude that combination of MSC-seeded hybrid scaffold containing BMP-2 was a promising method by which to enhance in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MSC and in vivo ectopic bone formation.