Laser-Enhanced Biomorphic Scaffolds Support Multipotent Stem Cell Differentiation and Angiogenesis for Vascularised Bone Regeneration

TL;DR

Laser-modified GreenBone scaffolds support stem cell differentiation and blood vessel growth, improving bone regeneration.

Contribution

Laser drilling of biologically derived scaffolds enhances stem cell behavior and vascularization for bone tissue engineering.

Findings

Laser-drilled GreenBone scaffolds support high cell viability and adhesion of stem cells.

BMMSCs and cMSCs showed enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression on laser-modified scaffolds.

Increased VEGF secretion and ECM remodeling markers indicate active tissue regeneration potential.

Abstract

Biomorphic hydroxyapatite scaffolds derived from rattan wood (GreenBone) show significant promise in bone tissue engineering due to their inherent structural similarity to natural bone. Laser-drilled GreenBone scaffolds were studied for enhanced porosity, nutrient diffusion, cellular infiltration, and vascularisation. Patient-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (BMMSCs) and culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) demonstrated high cell viability (>90%), considerable adhesion, and extensive cytoskeletal organisation. Trilineage differentiation confirmed the multipotency of BMMSCs, with osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic markers being successfully expressed. BMMSCs and cMSCs exhibited enhanced differentiation and gene expression profiles. At week 4, key osteogenic and angiogenic genes such as BMP2, VEGFC, RUNX2, and COL1A1 showed elevated expression, indicating improved bone formation and vascularisation activity. Markers associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, including MMP9 and TIMP1, were also upregulated, suggesting active tissue remodelling. ELISA analysis for VEGF further demonstrated increased VEGF secretion, highlighting the scaffold’s angiogenic potential. The improved cellular response and vascular signalling emphasise the translational relevance of laser-modified GreenBone scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, particularly for critical-sized defect repair requiring rapid vascularised bone regeneration.

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