Osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells on poly(l-lactide)/Fe3O4 nanofibers with static magnetic field exposure

Proliferation and differentiation of bone-related cells are modulated by many factors such as scaffold design, growth factor, dynamic culture system, and physical simulation. Nanofibrous structure and moderate-intensity (1mT–1T) static magnetic field (SMF) have been identified as capable of stimulating proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Herein, magnetic nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning mixture solutions of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and ferromagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The PLLA/Fe3O4 composite nanofibers demonstrated homogeneous dispersion of Fe3O4 NPs, and their magnetism depended on the contents of Fe3O4 NPs. SMF of 100mT was applied in the culture of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on pure PLLA and PLLA/Fe3O4 composite nanofibers for the purpose of studying the effect of SMF on osteogenic differentiation of osteoblastic cells on magnetic nanofibrous scaffolds. On non-magnetic PLLA nanofibers, the application of external SMF could enhance the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. In comparison with pure PLLA nanofibers, the incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs could also promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in the absence or presence of external SMF. The marriage of magnetic nanofibers and external SMF was found most effective in accelerating every aspect of biological behaviors of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. The findings demonstrated that the magnetic feature of substrate and microenvironment were applicable ways in regulating osteogenesis in bone tissue engineering. •Magnetic nanofibers containing well-dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles were produced.•Static magnetic field (SMF) was applied to perform the culture of osteoblasts.•Osteogenic differentiation was enhanced on magnetic substrate with exposure to SMF.