Work

Generation of 3D humanized vascularized and mineralized bone mimetic model via endochondral ossification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This protocol describes the development of a 3D vascularized and humanized bone model that recapitulates healthy bone formation through endochondral ossification. Human bone marrow stem cells (HBMSCs) are first differentiated into a chondrogenic template within gelatin-mtgase hydrogels, then embedded into a second hydrogel layer, which is co-seeded with HBMSCs and HUVECs to promote both vascularization and osteogenesis under estrogen supplementation. Human pre-osteoclasts are seeded on the mineralized vascular construct. The resulting construct shows organized vasculature, osteoclast differentiation, expression of osteogenic markers, and mineral deposition. This model provides a physiologically relevant, multicellular platform for studying human bone development and can be effectively modulated to conduct hormone withdrawal studies to model disease phenotype.

Source: Stem Cell Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2026.103995

Authors: Muhammad M.M. Bukhari, Mostafa Khabooshani, Syeda M. Naqvi, Laoise M. McNamara

Institution: Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,360