Silk fibroin/alumina nanoparticle scaffold using for osteogenic differentiation of rabbit adipose-derived stem cells

Abstract In the present study, blended silk fibroin (SF)/alumina nanoparticles were prepared to assess the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs). The structural and biological behaviours of the nanocomposite were evaluated. Micro-porous structure of SF/alumina nanocomposite had acceptable mechanical strength, water uptake capacity, and biomineralization capability. Increasing the content of alumina nanoparticles in the structure of SF substrate more than 10% enhanced the physiochemical properties of the bulk SF scaffold without any toxicity effect on the proliferation and attachment of rADSCs. More alkaline phosphates activity and calcium phosphate deposition were also observed in nanocomposite with 10% alumina nanoparticle. Compare with other groups, applying the blended scaffold along with osteogenic medium induced rADSCs to express higher osteogenic markers like collagen type I, osteopontin, RUNX2, and osteocalcin. Taken together, SF/alumina nanocomposite serve as good substrates for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs applicable for bone tissue engineering.