ABSTRACT
Objective To prepare a 3D polymer scaffold capable of simultaneously releasing both bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-7 for osteogenic differentiation of hFOB1. 19 cells in bone tissue engineering. Methods The BMP-2 and BMP-7 microspheres of poly (glycolic acid-co-lactic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PGLA-PEG) were prepared using an emulsion method, and the 3D porous scaffold of PGLA-PEG was produced by phase separation. Then in order to obtain composite scaffold loaded with BMPs, the two microspheres were fixed into scaffolds with methylene chloride fumigation technology, and the slow-release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 was observed. The human osteoblast line cells (hFOB1. 19) were seeded on the prepared composite scaffolds for testing cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Results It was showed that the produced 3D composite scaffolds could release the BMP-2 and BMP-7 gradually. The hFOB1. 19 cells grew better on the 3D composite scaffolds than on the traditional scaffolds on day 10 of cell culture (P<0. 01), and the cells had normal morphology. The mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type- I, osteocalcin and osteopontin of cells on the 3D composite scaffolds were higher than those on the scaffold without BMPs (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Conclusion We have successfully prepared a 3D polymer scaffold which can simultaneously release BMP-2 and BMP-7, and t may be used bone for tissue engineering.