Strontium functionalized scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Drug functionalized scaffolds are currently being employed to improve local delivery of osteoprotective drugs with the aim of reducing their loading dose as well as unwanted systemic complications. In this study we tested a poly-(ε) caprolactone (PCL)–laponite–strontium ranelate (SRA) composite scaffold (PLS3) for its abilities to support growth and osteogenic differentiation of human marrow derived stromal stem cells (hMSC). The in vitro experiments showed the PLS3 scaffold supported cell growth and osteogenic differentiation. The in vivo implantation of hMSC seeded PLS3 scaffold in immunocompromised mice revealed vascularized ectopic bone formation. PLS3 scaffolds can be useful in bone regenerative applications in the fields of orthopaedics and dentistry. •PLS3 scaffold supports proliferation of Human Bone marrow derived stem cells (hMSC).•In vitro studies shows PLS3 scaffold upregulates hMSC osteogenic gene expression and mineralization.•In vivo implantation of hMSC seeded PLS3 scaffold promotes ectopic vascularized bone formation in immunocompromised mice.