Affiliations: [a] Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Implant Devices, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China | [b] Graduate School of Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China | [c] Lando biomaterials Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China | [d] Department of Burns and Wound Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Correspondence:
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Corresponding authors: Chang-Sheng Chen, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China. Tel.: +86 0755 26558633; Fax: +86 0755 26551380; E-mail: ccshbxn@163.com. Bin Chu, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China. Tel.: +86 0755 26551200; Fax: +86 0755 26551380; E-mail: saturechu@163.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in chondrocyte growth and the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Due to the rapid metabolism, controlled release systems for TGF-β1 have attracted increasing interest recently. OBJECTIVE:In this study, a silk fibroin (SF)/chitosan (CS) scaffold incorporated with TGF-β1-loaded microspheres (MSs) was created for cartilage reparation. METHOD:The optimal proportion of the SF/CS composite scaffold was determined by evaluating their micromorphology and the proliferation rate of fibroblasts on the surface. Then, SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffolds were prepared by the adsorption method. TGF-β1 release capacity, degradation patterns, cytocompatibility and in vivo implantation were evaluted. RESULTS:The SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffold showed good TGF-β1 release over more than 16 days, which could sequentially stimulate chondrocyte synthetic activity. In vitro cell proliferation experiments showed the SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffold could promote chondrocytes adhesion, growth, proliferation and maintained the cellular morphology. An in vivo study demonstrated that a low inflammatory response was observed in rats and that the materials exhibited good biocompatibility. CONCLUSION:the results indicated that our SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffold constitute a promising therapeutic option for cartilage reparation.
