In this study, in vitro osteogenesis was successfully achieved in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by controlled release of the osteogenesis-inducing drugs dexamethasone, ascorbic acid (AA) and beta-glycerophosphate (GP) from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) sintered microsphere scaffolds (SMS). We investigated the osteogenesis of human MSCs (hMSCs) on dexamethasone laden PLGA-SMS (PLGA-Dex-SMS), and dexamethasone, AA and GP laden PLGA-SMS (PLGA-Com-SMS). hMSCs cultured on the microsphere systems, which act as drug release vehicles and also promote cell growth/tissue formation-displayed a strong osteogenic commitment locally. The osteogenic commitment of hMSCs on the scaffolds were verified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, calcium secretion assay, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results indicated hMSCs cultured on PLGA-Com-SMS exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation owing to significantly high phenotypic expression of typical osteogenic genes-osteocalcin (OC), type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Runx-2/Cbfa-1, and protein secretion of bone-relevant markers such as osteoclast and type I collagen when compared with PLGA-Dex-SMS. In conclusion, by promoting osteogenic development of hMSCs in vitro, this newly designed controlled release system opens a new door to bone reparation and regeneration.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.