Enhanced osteoinduction of electrospun scaffolds with assemblies of hematite nanoparticles as a bioactive interface

Purpose: Electrospun scaffolds have been studied extensively for their potential use in bone tissue engineering. However, their hydrophobicity and relatively low matrix stiffness constrain their osteoinduction capacities. In the present study, we studied polymer electrospun scaffolds coated with hydrophilic hematite nanoparticles (alpha FeNPs) constructed using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to construct a bioactive interface between the scaffolds and cells, to improve the osteoinduction capacities of the scaffolds. Materials and methods: The morphology of the alpha FeNPs was assessed. Surface properties of the scaffolds were tested by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface water contact angle, and in vitro protein adsorption test. The stiffness of the coating was tested using an atomic force microscope (AFM). In vitro cell assays were performed using rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Results: Morphology characterizations showed that alpha FeNPs assembled on the surface of the scaffold, where the nano assemblies improved hydrophilicity and increased surface roughness, with increased surface stiffness. Enhanced initial ADSC cell spread was found in the nano assembled groups. Significant enhancements in osteogenic differentiation, represented by enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, elevated expression of osteogenic marker genes, and increased mineral synthesis by the seeded ADSCs, were detected. The influencing factors were attributed to the better hydrophilicity, rougher surface topography, and harder interface stiffness. In addition, the presence of nanoparticles was believed to provide better cell adhesion sites. Conclusion: The results suggested that the construction of a bioactive interface by LbL assembly using alpha FeNPs on traditional scaffolds should be a promising method for bone tissue engineering.