Recently, the team led by Researcher Chengtie Wu at the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has made significant strides in the use of immuno-multicellular scaffolds for tendon-to-bone repair, offering a promising new strategy for the integrated regeneration of soft and hard tissue interfaces. This research has been published in the journal Science Advances.
Developing tissue engineering scaffolds that possess both regenerative activity and immunomodulatory functions is crucial for the restoration of the natural structure of the tendon-to-bone interface. By combining multicellular 3D printing technology with manganese silicate (MS) nanoparticles, the research team has constructed an immuno-multicellular scaffold. This scaffold features tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) distributed in a layered manner, mimicking the tendon-to-bone interface. Thanks to the multicellular distribution and MS nanoparticles, the immuno-multicellular scaffold demonstrated exceptional osteogenic and tendogenic differentiation activities in vitro. Moreover, the scaffold facilitated immunomodulation, interface microstructure regeneration, and recovery of motor function in both rabbit and rat rotator cuff tear (RCT) models. Implantation of the immuno-multicellular scaffold into rats with macrophage depletion further highlighted the role of immunomodulation in the specific differentiation facilitated by the scaffold. Additionally, exploration into its immunobiological mechanisms revealed that the scaffold could stably release Mn ions to stimulate macrophages to secrete PGE2, thereby enhancing the specific differentiation of the multicellular components.
Illustration of an immunomodulatory multicellular scaffold based on MS nanoparticles for integrative regeneration of tendon-bone junction. Image courtesy of "Science Advances"
Related paper information: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk6610
