Work

Chitosan-aloe vera scaffolds with tuned extracellular vesicles and histatin-5 display osteogenic and anti-biofilm activities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has garnered significant attention as an alternative to cell-based therapies due to their stability and biocompatibility. In this study, we stimulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with therapeutic agents affecting the bone regenerative cascade, including bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), stromal-derived factor (SDF-1), interleukin 4 (IL-4), alendronate (ALD) and osteogenic differentiation media to obtain osteogenic EVs. The tuned EVs were tested on MSCs and fibroblasts, selecting EVs-BMP-2 as suitable systems. Chitosan-aloe vera (AV) scaffolds were designed to allow for the loading and release of these EVs while leveraging the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of AV. To enhance the dual effect on regeneration and antibacterial activity, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating Histatin 5 (Hist-5) were incorporated to the scaffolds. Hist-5 encapsulation was successful, and effectively prevented Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation on the scaffolds surface. The optimized chitosan-AV scaffolds loaded with EVs-BMP-2 promoted MSCs adhesion and proliferation and exhibited a 2-fold increase in osteogenic differentiation compared to chitosan scaffolds. This study demonstrates the successful combination of bioengineered EVs and Hist-5-loaded microspheres within a chitosan-AV scaffold, providing a promising dual approach for enhancing bone regeneration while reducing the risk of infection. These systems show potential as effective implants for bone fractures, offering both antibacterial and regenerative capabilities.

Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.125592

Authors: Patricia García-García, Carmen Évora, Araceli Delgado, Patricia Diaz-Rodriguez

Institutions: Universidad de La Laguna, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,650