Sema3A- and ascorbate-functionalized apatite–collagen scaffolds for enhanced bone regeneration
摘要
Porous collagen sponges coated with low-crystalline apatite are promising bone tissue regeneration scaffolds owing to their chemical similarity to natural bones. We previously fabricated an apatite-coated collagen sponge loaded with an osteogenic agent L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AS), using a biomimetic coating process, demonstrating its superior functionality. In the present study, this sponge was further functionalized with another osteogenic agent, semaphorin 3A (S3). The collagen sponge was first coated with AS-immobilized apatite by a biomimetic coating process using a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution, and then impregnated with S3 via drop-casting. The resulting sponge showed improved bone regeneration in a rat calvarial defect model via enhanced cell infiltration, angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone remodeling, while being resorbed by macrophage-mediated processes, highlighting its potential as a bone tissue regeneration scaffold.
Graphical abstract