Evaluation of osteoconductive effect of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold treated with Aloe vera on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs).

Abstract

Background: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) hold promise for bone tissue engineering because of their ability to differentiate into a variety of cell lineages. In tissue engineering, composite scaffolds made of natural and synthetic polymers have also attracted interest. Modification of scaffolds with various substances, including Aloe Vera, is expected to play a useful role in the repair of damaged tissues, including bone.

Method: ADSCs were isolated and seeded in three groups on an Aloe Vera-modified PCL scaffold: 1. Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold group, 2. PCL/Aloe Vera scaffold group, and 3. TCPS (Tissue Culture Polystyrene) group. Subsequently, staining with Oil red and Alizarin Red was performed to assess the ability of ADSCs to differentiate into fat and bone cells. Cell viability was determined by the resazurin assay on days 1, 3, and 5. Calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) were determined with kits on days 7, 14, and 21. RNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized. Finally, the expression of marker genes for bone differentiation like osteogenic markers such as Osteonectin (ON), Osteocalcin (OC), RUNX Family Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2), Collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1) was evaluated by real-time PCR.

Results: Aloe vera-treated PCL scaffolds showed improved biocompatibility compared with untreated scaffolds (P<0.05). In addition, treated scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs, as evidenced by increased expression of osteogenic markers such ON, OC, RUNX2, COL1 compared with PCL scaffold and TCPS (P<0.05). Furthermore, ALP and calcium content assay confirmed improved mineral deposition on PCL scaffolds treated with Aloe vera, indicating enhanced osteoconductivity (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Our data suggest that a PCL scaffold mixed with Aloe Vera gel has promising osteoconductive potential, which can be used as a natural polymer for tissue engineering of bone and promote bone regeneration.