Nanoparticles: a new method of drug delivery?
Researchers from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TX, USA) have developed proof-of-concept nanotechnology, they suggest has the ability to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into bone cells.
The team created water-stable, 2D covalent organic framework (COF) nanoparticles that can direct the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into bone cells. 2D COFs have been the subject of considerable research attention due to their crystallinity ordered and tuneable porous structure, and high specific surface area.
However, the application of COFs in regenerative medicine and drug delivery is limited because of how difficult it is to process them into nanosized materials. The researchers proposed that there is a need for novel approaches to make COFs more stable while maintaining their biocompatibility.
With this in mind, the research team enhanced the hydrolytic (water) stability of COFs by integrating them with amphiphilic polymers, which are macromolecules that contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. The team reported that this provides the COFs with water dispersibility and unleashes their biomedical potential.
Akhilesh Gaharwar, researcher at Texas A&M University and co-author of the study, commented: “to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the ability of COFs to direct stem cells toward bone tissue, this new technology has the potential to impact the treatment of bone regeneration.”
The research team uncovered that 2D COFs do not affect cell viability or proliferation, even at higher concentrations. In addition, they observed that 2D COFs exhibit bioactivity and direct stem cells towards bone cells.
Because the nanoparticles are highly porous, the research team were able to utilize this for drug delivery. They loaded an osteo-inducing drug – dexamethasone – into the porous structure of the COF to enable bone formation.
Sukanya Bhunia, senior author of the study, stated: “these nanoparticles could prolong delivery of drugs to human mesenchymal stem cells, which are commonly used in bone regeneration, the sustained delivery of the drug resulted in enhanced stem cell differentiation toward bone lineage, and this technique can be used for bone regeneration.”
The research team proposed that their research will continue, and they aim to evaluate this nanotechnology in a diseased model. With further research, the team hope the technology will be suitable for use in human drug delivery.
Source: Bhunia S, Jaiswal M, Singh K, Deo K, Gaharwar A. 2D Covalent Organic Framework Direct Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells. Adv. Healthcare Mater. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202101737 (2022) (Epub).