ABSTRACT
BACKGROUNDScaffolds with the capacity to deliver signaling molecules are attractive for bone regeneration. Here, we developed bioactive siloxane–gelatin hybrid scaffolds via a sol gel process containing stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) to recruit osteoprogenitor/stem cells. METHODSThe process was undertaken under room temperature aqueous conditions, which enabled therapeutic molecules to be effectively incorporated. After the sol-gel reaction and lyophilization process, well crosslinked hybrid scaffolds were obtained with porosities of 80–90%.RESULTSDynamic mechanical analysis of the hybrid scaffolds showed significant improvement in storage modulus values (from 10 to 110 kPa) with increasing siloxane content. Target molecule SDF-1 was loaded and released from the scaffolds, and the effects on the homing of mesenchymal stem cell were studied.CONCLUSIONSResults demonstrated significant enhancement in the migration of cells to the SDF-1 loaded scaffolds. Taken together, the developed hybrid scaffolds areconsidered to be useful in loading and delivering signaling molecules such as SDF-1 to recruit osteoprogenitor /mesenchymal stem cells in the bone regeneration process.