Removal of calcium and magnesium ions from reverse osmosis concentrate using a two-stage precipitation with carbonation process.

The reverse osmosis (RO) technique has been extensively employed in the advanced treatment of industrial water and wastewater. However, this process results in the production of a significant quantity of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC), which contains high levels of salinity and organic contaminants, thereby posing serious environmental problems. This study reported a two-stage precipitation process utilizing quicklime (CaO) and caustic soda (NaOH) in conjunction with air blowing (carbonation) for the removal of Ca2+ and Mg2+ from real brackish water ROC of factory. In stage I, the CaO precipitation-carbonation process was employed to eliminate the majority of Ca2+ from the ROC, while leaving Mg2+ virtually unaffected, yielding high-purity CaCO3 precipitates. In stage II, the NaOH precipitation method was utilized to eliminate the remaining Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the ROC. It was demonstrated that under optimal conditions, the removal rates of Ca2+ and Mg2+ exceeded 97%. Finally, the characterization of precipitates demonstrated the generation of high-purity CaCO3 precipitates in stage I, as well as the formation of CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 precipitates in stage II. The results confirmed the feasibility of employing the two-stage precipitation with carbonation process to economically treat ROC and enable its reuse, offering valuable insights for the treatment of industrial wastewater.

MRS2 missense variation at Asp216 abrogates inhibitory Mg2+ binding, potentiating cell migration and apoptosis resistance.

Mitochondrial magnesium (Mg2+) is a crucial modulator of protein stability, enzymatic activity, ATP synthesis, and cell death. Mitochondrial RNA splicing protein 2 (MRS2) is the main Mg2+ channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane that mediates influx into the matrix. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) human MRS2 structures exhibit minimal conformational changes at high and low Mg2+, yet the regulation of human MRS2 and orthologues by Mg2+ binding to analogous matrix domains has been well established. Further, a missense variation at D216 has been identified associated with malignant melanoma and MRS2 expression and activity is implicated in gastric cancer. Thus, to gain more mechanistic and functional insight into Mg2+ sensing by the human MRS2 matrix domain and the association with proliferative disease, we assessed the structural, biophysical, and functional effects of a D216Q mutant. We show that the D216Q mutation is sufficient to abrogate Mg2+-binding and associated conformational changes including increased α-helicity, stability, and monomerization. Further, we reveal that the MRS2 matrix domains interact with ~µM affinity, which is weakened by up to two orders of magnitude in the presence of Mg2+ for wild-type but unaffected for D216Q. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of Mg2+ sensing by MRS2 to prevent matrix Mg2+ overload as HeLa cells overexpressing MRS2 show enhanced Mg2+ uptake, cell migration, and resistance to apoptosis while MRS2 D216Q robustly potentiates these cancer phenotypes. Collectively, our findings further define the MRS2 matrix domain as a critical Mg2+ sensor that undergoes conformational and assembly changes upon Mg2+ interactions dependent on D216 to temper matrix Mg2+ overload.

Deciphering magnesium binding site and structure-function insights in a class II sesquiterpene cyclase.

Magnesium ions (Mg2+) are crucial in class II terpene cyclases that utilize substrates with diphosphate groups. Interestingly, these enzymes catalyze reactions without cleaving the diphosphate group, instead initiating the reaction through protonation. In our recent research, we discovered a novel class II sesquiterpene cyclase in Streptomyces showdoensis. Notably, we determined its crystal structure and identified Mg2+ within its active site. This finding has shed light on the previously elusive question of Mg2+ binding in class II terpene cyclases. In this chapter, we outline our methods for discovering this novel enzyme, including steps for its purification, crystallization, and kinetic analysis.

Gene regulatory network analysis identifies MYL1, MDH2, GLS, and TRIM28 as the principal proteins in the response of mesenchymal stem cells to Mg2+ ions.

Magnesium (Mg)-based implants have emerged as a promising alternative for orthopedic applications, owing to their bioactive properties and biodegradability. As the implants degrade, Mg2+ ions are released, influencing all surrounding cell types, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are vital for bone tissue regeneration, therefore, it is essential to understand their molecular response to Mg2+ ions in order to maximize the potential of Mg-based biomaterials. In this study, we conducted a gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis to examine the molecular responses of MSCs to Mg2+ ions. We used time-series proteomics data collected at 11 time points across a 21-day period for the GRN construction. We studied the impact of Mg2+ ions on the resulting networks and identified the key proteins and protein interactions affected by the application of Mg2+ ions. Our analysis highlights MYL1, MDH2, GLS, and TRIM28 as the primary targets of Mg2+ ions in the response of MSCs during 1-21 days phase. Our results also identify MDH2-MYL1, MDH2-RPS26, TRIM28-AK1, TRIM28-SOD2, and GLS-AK1 as the critical protein relationships affected by Mg2+ ions. By offering a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory role of Mg2+ ions on MSCs, our study contributes valuable insights into the molecular response of MSCs to Mg-based materials, thereby facilitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for orthopedic applications.

A novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanohybrid fluorescent sensor designed based on an osmotic mechanism for specific detection and intelligent scavenging of magnesium ions.

BACKGROUND: Mg2+ has long been recognized as one of the most vital cations due to its diverse physiological and pathological roles, making it indispensable in both biomedical and biological research. Organic fluorescent sensors are commonly employed for Mg2+ detection, but they often lack high selectivity and exhibit poor hydrophilicity, limiting their biomedical applications. RESULTS: Herein, we introduced a novel organic-inorganic hybrid fluorescence sensor, PFHBS, constructed on the POSS nanoplatforms. The efficient connection between PEGylated POSS and the small molecule sensor FHBS through Click chemistry enhances the selectivity and reduces interference, making this chemical sensor ideal for the accurate detection of Mg2+. Furthermore, the incorporation of POSS amplifies the ligand field effect of FHBS, making it more conducive to Mg2+ capture. The modification of PEG chains enhances the sensor's amphiphilicity, facilitating efficient cell penetration and effective Mg2+ detection at the biological level. SIGNIFICANCE: Finally, relying on spontaneous permeation, coupled with its strong ligand field effect and excellent cell permeability, the chemosensor demonstrates the capability to intelligently remove excess Mg2+ from the body. It has been successfully applied to mitigate renal overload resulting from acute Mg2+ poisoning.

Magnesium bioactive glass hybrid functionalized polyetheretherketone with immunomodulatory function to guide cell fate and bone regeneration.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is being increasingly recognized as a highly promising polymer implant in orthopaedics due to its advantageous biocompatibility, favorable processability, and radiation resistance. Nonetheless, the long-term application of PEEK implants in vivo faces challenges due to unfavorable post-implantation inflammatory and immune reactions, which result in suboptimal osseointegration rates. Hence, biofunctionalizing the surface of PEEK implants emerges as a viable strategy to enhance osseointegration and increase the success rate. In this study, we developed a multifunctional PEEK implant through the in-situ incorporation of chitosan-coated bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs). This approach can impart immunomodulatory properties and enhance the potential for osseointegration. The resulting biofunctionalized PEEK material exhibited multiple beneficial effects. For instance, it facilitated M2 phenotypic polarization of macrophages, diminished the expression of inflammatory factors, and enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. Moreover, it exhibited an improved capacity for osseointegration when tested in vivo. The findings of the experiment highlighted the pivotal and complex role of the biofunctionalized PEEK implant in maintaining typical bone immunity and metabolism. The study proposes that the application of chitosan-BGNs presents a straightforward approach to developing multifunctional implants with the ability to promote biomineralization and immunomodulation, specifically tailored for orthopaedic applications.

Nanosized Silk-Magnesium Complexes for Tissue Regeneration.

Metal ions provide multifunctional signals for cell and tissue functions, including regeneration. Inspired by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), nanosized silk protein aggregates with a high negative charge density are used to form stable silk-magnesium ion complexes. Magnesium ions (Mg ions) are added directly to silk nanoparticle solutions, inducing gelation through the formation of silk-Mg coordination complexes. The Mg ions are released slowly from the nanoparticles through diffusion, with sustained release via tuning the degradation or dissolution of the nanosized silk aggregates. Studies in vitro reveal a dose-dependent influence of Mg ions on angiogenic and anti-inflammatory functions. Silk-Mg ion complexes in the form of hydrogels also stimulate tissue regeneration with a reduced formation of scar tissue in vivo, suggesting potential utility in tissue regeneration.

Incorporation of Magnesium Ions into an Aptamer-Functionalized ECM Bioactive Scaffold for Articular Cartilage Regeneration.

The regeneration and reconstruction of articular cartilage (AC) after a defect are often difficult. The key to the treatment of AC defects lies in regeneration of the defect site and regulation of the inflammatory response. In this investigation, a bioactive multifunctional scaffold was formulated using the aptamer Apt19S as a mediator for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-specific recruitment and the enhancement of cellular chondrogenic and inflammatory regulation through the incorporation of Mg2+. Apt19S, which can recruit MSCs in vitro and in vivo, was chemically conjugated to a decellularized cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM)-lysed scaffold. The results from in vitro experiments using the resulting scaffold demonstrated that the inclusion of Mg2+ could stimulate not only the chondrogenic differentiation of synovial MSCs but also the increased polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. Additionally, Mg2+ inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby decreasing chondrocyte pyroptosis. Subsequently, Mg2+ was incorporated into the bioactive multifunctional scaffold, and the resulting scaffold promoted cartilage regeneration in vivo. In conclusion, this study confirms that the combination of Mg2+ and aptamer-functionalized ECM scaffolds is a promising strategy for AC regeneration based on in situ tissue engineering and early inflammatory regulation.

Study of the Magnesium Comenate Structure, Its Neuroprotective and Stress-Protective Activity.

The crystal structure and the biological activity of a new coordination compound of magnesium ions with comenic acid, magnesium comenate, was characterized and studied. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the compound was investigated in detail using elemental X-ray fluorescent analysis, thermal analysis, IR-Fourier spectrometry, UV spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Based on experimental analytical data, the empirical formula of magnesium comenate [Mg(HCom)2(H2O)6]·2H2O was established. This complex compound crystallizes with eight water molecules, six of which are the hydration shell of the Mg2+ cation, and two more molecules bind the [Mg(H2O)6]2+ aquacation with ionized ligand molecules by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The packing of molecules in the crystal lattice is stabilized by a branched system of hydrogen bonds with the participation of solvate water molecules and oxygen atoms of various functional groups of ionized ligand molecules. With regard to the biological activity of magnesium comenate, a neuroprotective, stress-protective, and antioxidant effect was established in in vitro and in vivo models. In in vitro experiments, magnesium comenate protected cerebellar neurons from the toxic effects of glutamate and contributed to the preservation of neurite growth parameters under oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide. In animal studies, magnesium comenate had a stress-protective and antioxidant effect in models of immobilization-cold stress. Oral administration of magnesium comenate at a dose of 2 mg/kg of animal body weight for 3 days before stress exposure and for 3 days during the stress period led to a decrease in oxidative damage and normalization of the antioxidant system of brain tissues against the background of induced stress. The obtained results indicate the advisability of further studies of magnesium comenate as a compound potentially applicable in medicine for the pharmacological correction of conditions associated with oxidative and excitotoxic damage to nerve cells.

The Supplement of Magnesium Element to Inhibit Colorectal Tumor Cells.

Magnesium ions are essential elements to the human body, with a daily intake of about 350 mg for an adult. Recently, a meta-analysis reported that magnesium ion intake is related to a reduced risk of colorectal tumors. In addition, implantation of biodegradable magnesium pins after colorectal tumor resection could potentially inhibit the residual tumor cells. These impressive results implied that magnesium ions possess inhibitory properties against colorectal carcinoma. However, this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed by experimental results. In this work, different concentrations of magnesium ions were modulated to investigate their inhibitory effects on cell viability through cell cycle arrest, subsequently inducing apoptosis by activating the caspase-3 pathway. The animal experiments revealed that magnesium injection restricted tumor growth after 3 weeks of treatment compared to the control group. According to the immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy results, the remarkable effect may be attributed to promoting the apoptotic rate of tumor cells. The evidence highlights the potential for the clinical use of magnesium implants to inhibit the growth of residual cells after colorectal tumor surgery.

Magnesium Ions Promote In Vitro Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Angiogenesis Through Notch Signaling.

Bone defects are often caused by trauma or surgery and can lead to delayed healing or even bone nonunion, thereby resulting in impaired function of the damaged site. Magnesium ions and related metallic materials play a crucial role in repairing bone defects, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we induced the angiogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) with different concentrations of magnesium ions. The mechanism was investigated using γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) at different time points (7 and 14 days). Angiogenesis, differentiation, migration, and chemotaxis were detected using the tube formation assay, wound-healing assay, and Transwell assay. Besides, we analyzed mRNA expression and the angiogenesis-related protein levels of genes by RT-qPCR and western blot. We discovered that compared with other concentrations, the 5 mM magnesium ion concentration was more conducive to forming tubes. Additionally, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif-1α) and endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) expression both increased (p < 0.05). After 7 and 14 days of induction, 5 mM magnesium ion group tube formation, migration, and chemotaxis were enhanced, and the expression of Notch pathway genes increased. Moreover, expression of the Notch target genes hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) and Hes5 (hairy and enhancer of split 5), as well as the angiogenesis-related genes Hif-1α and eNOS, were enhanced (p < 0.05). However, these trends did not occur when DAPT was applied. This indicates that 5 mM magnesium ion is the optimal concentration for promoting the angiogenesis and differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. By activating the Notch signaling pathway, magnesium ions up-regulate the downstream genes Hes1 and Hes5 and the angiogenesis-related genes Hif-1α and eNOS, thereby promoting the angiogenesis differentiation of BMSCs. Additionally, magnesium ion-induced differentiation enhances the migration and chemotaxis of BMSCs. Thus, we can conclude that magnesium ions and related metallic materials promote angiogenesis to repair bone defects. This provides the rationale for developing artificial magnesium-containing bone materials through tissue engineering.

Ion selectivity and gating behavior of the CorA-type channel Bpss1228.

Magnesium is an essential element to sustain all forms of life. Total intracellular magnesium content is determined by the balance of magnesium influx and efflux. CorA is a divalent selective channel in the metal ion transport superfamily and is the major Mg2+ uptake pathway in prokaryotes and eukaryotic mitochondria. Previous studies have demonstrated that CorA showed distinct magnesium bound closed conformation and Mg2+-free states. In addition, CorA is regulated by cytoplasmic magnesium ions and its gating mechanism has been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance technique and molecular dynamic simulations. Here, we report a study of the putative CorA-type channel Bpss1228 from Burkholderia pseudomallei, which has been shown to be significantly associated with pseudomallei infection. We expressed and purified the Bpss1228 in full-length. Subsequently, electrophysiological experiments further investigated the electrical characteristics of Bpss1228 and revealed that it was a strictly cation-selective channel. We also proved that Bpss1228 not only possessed magnesium-mediated regulatory property a remarkable ability to be modulated by magnesium ions. Finally, we observed the three-step gating behavior of Bpss1228 on planar lipid bilayer, and further proposed a synergistic gating mechanism by which CorA family channels control intracellular magnesium homeostasis.

Advances in the development of biodegradable coronary stents: A translational perspective.

Implantation of cardiovascular stents is an important therapeutic method to treat coronary artery diseases. Bare-metal and drug-eluting stents show promising clinical outcomes, however, their permanent presence may create complications. In recent years, numerous preclinical and clinical trials have evaluated the properties of bioresorbable stents, including polymer and magnesium-based stents. Three-dimensional (3D) printed-shape-memory polymeric materials enable the self-deployment of stents and provide a novel approach for individualized treatment. Novel bioresorbable metallic stents such as iron- and zinc-based stents have also been investigated and refined. However, the development of novel bioresorbable stents accompanied by clinical translation remains time-consuming and challenging. This review comprehensively summarizes the development of bioresorbable stents based on their preclinical/clinical trials and highlights translational research as well as novel technologies for stents (e.g., bioresorbable electronic stents integrated with biosensors). These findings are expected to inspire the design of novel stents and optimization approaches to improve the efficacy of treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

Phytic acid/magnesium ion complex coating on PEEK fiber woven fabric as an artificial ligament with anti-fibrogenesis and osteogenesis for ligament-bone healing.

Development of an artificial ligament possessing osteogenic activity to enhance ligament-bone healing for reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a great challenge. Herein, polyetheretherketone fibers (PKF) were coated with phytic acid (PA)/magnesium (Mg) ions complex (PKPM), which were woven into fabrics as an artificial ligament. The results demonstrated that PKPM with PA/Mg complex coating exhibited optimized surface properties with improved hydrophilicity and surface energy, and slow release of Mg ions. PKPM significantly enhanced responses of rat bone marrow stem cells in vitro. Moreover, PKPM remarkably promoted M2 macrophage polarization that upregulated production of anti-inflammatory cytokine while inhibited M1 macrophage polarization that downregulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokine in vitro. Further, PKPM inhibited fibrous encapsulation by preventing M1 macrophage polarization while promoted osteogenesis for ligament-bone healing by triggering M2 macrophage polarization in vivo. The results suggested that the downregulation of M1 macrophage polarization for inhibiting fibrogenesis and upregulation of M2 macrophage polarization for improving osteogenesis of PKPM were attributed to synergistic effects of PA and sustained release of Mg ions. In summary, PKPM with PA/Mg complex coating upregulated pro-osteogenic macrophage polarization that supplied a profitable anti-inflammatory environments for osteogenesis and ligament-bone healing, thereby possessing tremendous potential for reconstruction of ACL.

Altered Conformational Landscape upon Sensing Guanine Nucleotides in a Disease Mutant of Elongation Factor-like 1 (EFL1) GTPase.

The final maturation step of the 60S ribosomal subunit requires the release of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (human eIF6, yeast Tif6) to enter the pool of mature ribosomes capable of engaging in translation. This process is mediated by the concerted action of the Elongation Factor-like 1 (human EFL1, yeast Efl1) GTPase and its effector, the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome protein (human SBDS, yeast Sdo1). Mutations in these proteins prevent the release of eIF6 and cause a disease known as Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS). While some mutations in EFL1 or SBDS result in insufficient proteins to meet the cell production of mature large ribosomal subunits, others do not affect the expression levels with unclear molecular defects. We studied the functional consequences of one such mutation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Efl1 R1086Q, equivalent to human EFL1 R1095Q described in SDS patients. We characterised the enzyme kinetics and energetic basis outlining the recognition of this mutant to guanine nucleotides and Sdo1, and their interplay in solution. From our data, we propose a model where the conformational change in Efl1 depends on a long-distance network of interactions that are disrupted in mutant R1086Q, whereby Sdo1 and the guanine nucleotides no longer elicit the conformational changes previously described in the wild-type protein. These findings point to the molecular malfunction of an EFL1 mutant and its possible impact on SDS pathology.

Controlled magnesium ion delivery system for in situ bone tissue engineering.

Magnesium cation (Mg2+) has been an emerging therapeutic agent for inducing vascularized bone regeneration. However, the therapeutic effects of current magnesium (Mg) -containing biomaterials are controversial due to the concentration- and stage-dependent behavior of Mg2+. Here, we first provide an overview of biochemical mechanism of Mg2+ in various concentrations and suggest that 2-10 mM Mg2+in vitro may be optimized. This review systematically summarizes and discusses several types of controlled Mg2+ delivery systems based on polymer-Mg composite scaffolds and Mg-containing hydrogels, as well as their design philosophy and several parameters that regulate Mg2+ release. Given that the continuous supply of Mg2+ may prevent biomineral deposition in the later stage of bone regeneration and maturation, we highlight the controlled delivery of Mg2+ based dual- or multi-ions system, especially for the hierarchical therapeutic ion release system, which shows enhanced biomineralization. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives of Mg-containing biomaterials for future in situ bone tissue engineering are discussed as well.

PLGA Cage-Like Structures Loaded with Sr/Mg-Doped Hydroxyapatite for Repairing Osteoporotic Bone Defects.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based porous structures have a widespread application in bone defects. To solve its flaws in the bone application, hydroxyapatite (HA) is often introduced into PLGA-based systems, and ion doping endows HA with more biological activity. In osteoporotic bone defects, the decreased activity of osteoblasts and the hyperactive osteoclasts results in slow bone repair. Strontium (Sr) can promote bone regeneration and inhibit bone resorption and has been used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Magnesium (Mg) cannot only enhance the regeneration of bone tissue but also vessels. In this study,the aim is to fabricate a multifunctional porous structure that can promote osteogenesis, and angiogenesis and inhibit osteoclasts for repairing osteoporotic bone defects. PLGA cage-like structures loaded with Sr- and Mg-doped HA (Sr/Mg@HA/PLGA-CAS) are prepared; they have large pores, suitable hydrophilicity, and can continuously release Mg2+ and Sr2+ , which facilitate cell adhesion and growth. The results show that Sr/Mg@HA/PLGA-CAS can motivate the osteogenic activity of osteoblast precursor cells and angiogenic ability of endothelial cells, and suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro. This study indicates that Sr/Mg@HA/PLGA-CAS can assist osteogenesis, and angiogenesis while restraining osteoclast differentiation, which may have a potential application value in osteoporotic bone defects.

Effects of Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron Ions on Bone Tissue Engineering.

Large-sized bone defects are a great challenge in clinics and considerably impair the quality of patients' daily life. Tissue engineering strategies using cells, scaffolds, and bioactive molecules to regulate the microenvironment in bone regeneration is a promising approach. Zinc, magnesium, and iron ions are natural elements in bone tissue and participate in many physiological processes of bone metabolism and therefore have great potential for bone tissue engineering and regeneration. In this review, we performed a systematic analysis on the effects of zinc, magnesium, and iron ions in bone tissue engineering. We focus on the role of these ions in properties of scaffolds (mechanical strength, degradation, osteogenesis, antibacterial properties, etc.). We hope that our summary of the current research achievements and our notifications of potential strategies to improve the effects of zinc, magnesium, and iron ions in scaffolds for bone repair and regeneration will find new inspiration and breakthroughs to inspire future research.

Impact of magnesium ions on lysozyme-triggered disintegration and solubilization of waste activated sludge.

Lysozyme can efficiently accelerate solubilization and hydrolysis of waste activated sludge (WAS) for anerobic digestion. However, the effect of lysozyme was easily to be inhibited by metal ions in WAS. The impact of magnesium ions (Mg2+) on lysozyme catalyze WAS disintegration was investigated in this study. The effect of lysozyme on WAS hydrolysis could be hindered by Mg2+. Relatively high concentrations (>50 mg/L) of Mg2+ in sludge significantly reduced the release of soluble polysaccharides and proteins from WAS, while sulfate ions or chloride ions caused no such effect. Proteins were difficult to be extracted from extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of WAS in the presence of Mg2+ (>10 mg/L) due to the divalent cation bridging (DCB) behavior, while the extraction of polysaccharides was not significantly affected. The polysaccharides and proteins in the inner EPS layer were transferred to the outer layer during the lysozyme treatment, and total quantities of both components maintained constantly. At least 23.1% lysozymes were trapped in the liquid phase of 100 mg Mg2+/L in the first hour. Mg2+ could significantly affect the transfer of lysozyme from liquid phase to the inner layer of sludge. Mg2+ neutralized the negative surface charge of the sludge particles, which hindered the absorption of positively charged lysozyme molecules by sludge flocs from the liquid phase. The proteins of TB-EPS had higher ratios of α-helixes and tighter structures than those in LB-EPS, which could impede the lysozyme transfer to the cell wall.

Exosome-functionalized magnesium-organic framework-based scaffolds with osteogenic, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties for accelerated bone regeneration.

Exosomes derived from human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs-Exos) have shown potential as an effective therapeutic tool for repairing bone defects. Although metal-organic framework (MOF) scaffolds are promising strategies for bone tissue regeneration, their potential use for exosome loading remains unexplored. In this study, motivated by the potential advantages of hADSCs-Exos and Mg-GA MOF, we designed and synthesized an exosome-functionalized cell-free PLGA/Mg-GA MOF (PLGA/Exo-Mg-GA MOF) scaffold, taking using of the benefits of hADSCs-Exos, Mg2+, and gallic acid (GA) to construct unique nanostructural interfaces to enhance osteogenic, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory capabilities simultaneously. Our in vitro work demonstrated the beneficial effects of PLGA/Exo-Mg-GA MOF composite scaffolds on the osteogenic effects in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and angiogenic effects in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs). Slowly released hADSCs-Exos from composite scaffolds were phagocytosed by co-cultured cells, stabilized the bone graft environment, ensured blood supply, promoted osteogenic differentiation, and accelerated bone reconstruction. Furthermore, our in vivo experiments with rat calvarial defect model showed that PLGA/Exo-Mg-GA MOF scaffolds promoted new bone formation and satisfactory osseointegration. Overall, we provide valuable new insights for designing exosome-coated nanocomposite scaffolds with enhanced osteogenesis property.