Novel Sulfated Alginate-Cerium Bioactive Glass Scaffolds: Promising Platform for Cardiac Tissue Regeneration
نویسندگان
1 Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Division, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, Canada
5 Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Division, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
6 Department of Basic Sciences, Biology and Health, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technologies, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
doi
10.22074/cellj.2025.2059774.1851چکیده
Objective: Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity, despite advances inprevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) offers a promising approach to repairingdamaged myocardium through bioengineered constructs that closely mimic native cardiac tissue. The integrationof biomaterials that enhance angiogenesis, exhibit antioxidant activity, and support cellular proliferation can furtherimprove regenerative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the potential of a sulfated alginate (S-Alg)/cerium-doped45S5 bioactive glass (Ce-BG) scaffold as a cardiac patch for tissue engineering applications.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, novel porous scaffolds composed of S-Alg and Ce-BG were fabricated usinga freeze-drying technique. The scaffolds underwent comprehensive physicochemical characterization and cytocompatibilityevaluation. Their angiogenic potential was assessed by quantifying vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)expression using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) over a seven-day period. Additionally,scaffold antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay.Results: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed an interconnected porous network with an average porediameter of 100-300 μm. Incorporation of BG particles led to a reduction in tensile strength and Young’s modulus.The ion release profile demonstrated sustained release of bioactive ions. MTT assays and cell morphology analysesconfirmed scaffold cytocompatibility, supporting adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs). qRT-PCR showed significant upregulation of VEGFR2 in HUVECs cultured on Ce-containing scaffoldsover seven days. Moreover, the addition of Ce enhanced the antioxidant activity of BG-containing scaffolds, effectivelyscavenging DPPH radicals over time, highlighting their potential for cardiac patch applications.Conclusion: The S-Alg/Ce-BG composite scaffold exhibits favorable properties for CTE, including cytocompatibility,enhanced angiogenic potential, and antioxidant activity. These features highlight the scaffold as a highly promisingcandidate for advancing cardiac tissue regeneration strategies.
