Development of Magnetic Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Potential Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Magnetic nanocomposite hydrogels show high potential to improve tissue engineering. In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared from poly­(vinyl alcohol), nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), and magnetic nanoparticles (Fe2O3) using the ultrasonic dispersion method and freeze–thaw cross-linking molding. The water content and crystallinity of the magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel were tested. Microscopic morphology assessment, mechanical testing, and characterization were performed. Additionally, the magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel was co-cultured with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to determine its cell compatibility. We found that the magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel had good mechanical properties and that its mechanical properties were enhanced by the addition of n-HA. The BMSCs showed uniform growth on the surface of the magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel and high rates of proliferation. BMSC growth was also enhanced by the addition of Fe2O3 and also significant stimulated chondrocyte-related gene expression. Thus, the magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel scaffold material we describe here could have broad applications in cartilage tissue engineering.