Combing Bioactive Cryogels and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Promoting Craniofacial Bone Regeneration in Osteoporosis

The regeneration capacity of the osteoporotic bones is generally lower than that of the normal bones not only for long bones but also for craniofacial bones. Current methods of bone defect treatment for osteoporosis are not always satisfactory. Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and strontium (Sr) plays a distinct role on promoting bone regeneration and inhibiting bone resorption. Based on the hypothesis that the combination of stem cells and Sr may have synergetic effects on osteoporotic bone regeneration, the porous Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHAP) cryogel scaffolds combining the functions of stem cells and Sr elements were developed with the goals to promote osteoporotic bone defect regeneration in craniofacial area. In this study, the novel bioactive SrHAP scaffolds with optimal composition will be fabricated, and the stimulative effects and related mechanisms of SrHAP on the mesenchymal stem cells derived from OVX animals (MSCs-OVX) will be evaluated. Finally, the calvarial and alveolar bone defect model will be used to investigate the regulatory effect of MSCs-OVX/SrHAP constructs on the in vivo new bone formation. This project will be focusing on developing new strategies using tissue engineering approach to promote craniofacial bone regeneration in patients with osteoporotic phenotype. The final goal is to translate basic science observations into actual “clinical applications”.

Project ID:PC10907-1710
External Project ID:MOST109-2314-B182-014-MY2