Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells in computer designed fibrin-polymer-ceramic scaffolds manufactured by fused deposition modeling

Biomimetic scaffolds offer great potentials in the development of bone analogs for tissue engineering. The studies presented in this paper focus specifically on the osteogenic potential of the novel PCL/CaP matrices and its degradation behavior. Biodegradable Polymer-ceramic Scaffolds were fabricated using the solid free form fabrication technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The scaffold architecture was characterized by a honeycomb-like design and a complete interconnectivity of the pores. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded together with fibrin glue into PCL/CaP scaffolds and cultured in vitro for periods of up to eight weeks. Cellular adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed in these constructs using a range of histological and microscopic techniques. In additional experiments, degradation was assessed by measuring mass loss, diameter change, molecular weight change and by scanning electron micrographs. MSCs were able to adhere, migrate, and differentiate along the osteogenic lineage with in these scaffolds. The PCL/CaP scaffolds showed up to 27 fold increased degradation of compared to PCL scaffolds.     

Effect of inorganic and organic bioactive signals decoration on the biological performance of chitosan scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

The present work is focused on the design of a bioactive chitosan-based scaffold functionalized with organic and inorganic signals to provide the biochemical cues for promoting stem cell osteogenic commitment. The first approach is based on the use of a sequence of 20 amino acids corresponding to a 68–87 sequence in knuckle epitope of BMP-2 that was coupled covalently to the carboxyl group of chitosan scaffold. Meanwhile, the second approach is based on the biomimetic treatment, which allows the formation of hydroxyapatite nuclei on the scaffold surface. Both scaffolds bioactivated with organic and inorganic signals induce higher expression of an early marker of osteogenic differentiation (ALP) than the neat scaffolds after 3 days of cell culture. However, scaffolds decorated with BMP-mimicking peptide show higher values of ALP than the biomineralized one. Nevertheless, the biomineralized scaffolds showed better cellular behaviour than neat scaffolds, demonstrating the good effect of hydroxyapatite deposits on hMSC osteogenic differentiation. At long incubation time no significant difference among the biomineralized and BMP-activated scaffolds was observed. Furthermore, the highest level of Osteocalcin expression (OCN) was observed for scaffold with BMP2 mimic-peptide at day 21. The overall results showed that the presence of bioactive signals on the scaffold surface allows an osteoinductive effect on hMSC in a basal medium, making the modified chitosan scaffolds a promising candidate for bone tissue regeneration.     

Electrospinning of PLGA/gelatin randomly-oriented and aligned nanofibers as potential scaffold in tissue engineering

Electrospinning technique can be used to produce the three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold similar to natural extracellular matrix, which satisfies particular requirements of tissue engineering scaffold. Randomly-oriented and aligned poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PLGA/gelatin biocomposite scaffolds were successfully produced by electrospinning in the present study. The resulting nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited smooth surface and high porous structure. Blending PLGA with gelatin enhanced the hydrophilicity but decreased the average fiber diameter and the mechanical properties of the scaffolds under the same electrospinning condition. The cell culture results showed that the elongation of the osteoblast on the aligned nanofibrous scaffold was parallel to the fiber arrangement and the cell number was similar to that of randomly-oriented scaffold, indicating that the aligned nanofibrous scaffold provide a beneficial approach for the bone regeneration.     

Design of novel three-phase PCL/TZ–HA biomaterials for use in bone regeneration applications

The design of bioactive scaffold materials able to guide cellular processes involved in new-tissue genesis is key determinant in bone tissue engineering. The aim of this study was the design and characterization of novel multi-phase biomaterials to be processed for the fabrication of 3D porous scaffolds able to provide a temporary biocompatible substrate for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The biomaterials were prepared by blending poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with thermoplastic zein (TZ), a thermoplastic material obtained by de novo thermoplasticization of zein. Furthermore, to bioactivate the scaffolds, microparticles of osteoconductive hydroxyapatite (HA) were dispersed within the organic phases. Results demonstrated that materials and formulations strongly affected the micro-structural properties and hydrophilicity of the scaffolds and, therefore, had a pivotal role in guiding cell/scaffold interaction. In particular, if compared to neat PCL, PCL–HA composite and PCL/TZ blend, the three-phase PCL/TZ–HA showed improved MSCs adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capability, thus demonstrating potential for bone regeneration.     

Preparation of porous biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/ hyaluronic acid blend scaffolds: Characterization, in vitro cells culture and degradation behaviors

A series of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/ hyaluronic acid (HA) blend with different HA composition were used to fabricate scaffolds successfully. The pores of the three dimensional scaffold were prepared by particle leaching and freeze drying. The pore size was about 50–200 μ m and the porosity was about 85%. The characterizations of the scaffold, such as mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and surface morphologies were determined. Mouse 3T3 fibroblast was directly seeded on the scaffolds. The cell adhesion efficiency, cell morphology observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the degradation behavior of the blend scaffold were evaluated. In summary, the results show that the adhesion efficiency of cells on the PLGA/HA blend scaffold is higher than that on the PLGA scaffold. Moreover, the incorporation of HA in PLGA not only helps to increase the cell affinity but also tends to lead the water and nutrient into the scaffold easily.     

Dual-source dual-power electrospinning and characteristics of multifunctional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds are attractive due to their distinctive advantages over other types of scaffolds. As both osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity play crucial roles in bone tissue engineering, scaffolds possessing both properties are desirable. In this investigation, novel bicomponent scaffolds were constructed via dual-source dual-power electrospinning (DSDPES). One scaffold component was emulsion electrospun poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) nanofibers containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2), and the other scaffold component was electrospun calcium phosphate (Ca–P) particle/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocomposite fibers. The mass ratio of rhBMP-2/PDLLA fibers to Ca–P/PLGA fibers in bicomponent scaffolds could be controlled in the DSDPES process by adjusting the number of syringes used to supply solutions for electrospinning. Through process optimization, both types of fibers could be evenly distributed in bicomponent scaffolds. The structure and properties of each type of fibers in the scaffolds were studied. The morphological and structural properties and wettability of scaffolds were assessed. The effects of emulsion composition for rhBMP-2/PDLLA fibers and mass ratio of fibrous components in bicomponent scaffolds on in vitro release of rhBMP-2 from scaffolds were investigated. In vitro degradation of scaffolds was also studied by monitoring their morphological changes, weight losses and decreases in average molecular weight of fiber matrix polymers.     

Analysis of OPLA scaffolds for bone engineering constructs using human jaw periosteal cells

For bone regeneration constructs using human jaw periosteal cells (JPC) the extent of osteoinductive ability of different three-dimensional scaffolds is not yet established. We analyzed open-cell polylactic acid (OPLA) scaffolds for their suitability as bone engineering constructs using human JPC. Cell adhesion and spreading was visualized on the surface of scaffolds by scanning electron microscopy. JPC proliferation within OPLA scaffolds was compared with proliferation within collagen and calcium phosphate scaffolds. We found a significant increase of proliferation rates in OPLA scaffolds versus Coll/CaP scaffolds at three time points. Live-measurements of oxygen consumption within the cell-seeded scaffolds indicate that the in vitro culturing time should not exceed 12–15 days. OPLA scaffolds, which were turned out to be the most beneficial for JPC growth, were chosen for osteogenic differentiation experiments with or without BMP-2. Gene expression analyses demonstrated induction of several osteogenic genes (alkaline phosphatase, osterix, Runx-2 and insulin-like growth factor) within the 3D-scaffolds after 12 days of in vitro culturing. Element analysis by EDX spectrometry of arising nodules during osteogenesis demonstrated that JPC growing within OPLA scaffolds are able to form CaP particles. We conclude that OPLA scaffolds provide a promising environment for bone substitutes using human JPC.     

有序电纺纤维膜的制备方法及在组织工程中的应用进展

静电纺丝是一种简单且有效的制备高分子微纳米纤维的方法。近年来,通过电纺装置的控制制备有序纤维膜已成为研究热点,由此构建的电纺纤维膜支架具有独特的结构和生物学性能,有利于细胞的粘附、增殖和分化,在神经、血管、骨与软骨等组织工程及组织修复中具有良好的应用前景。文中对有序电纺纤维膜的制备方法进行了总结,概述了有序电纺纤维膜在...     

Robotic dispensing of composite scaffolds and in vitro responses of bone marrow stromal cells

The development of bioactive scaffolds with a designed pore configuration is of particular importance in bone tissue engineering. In this study, bone scaffolds with a controlled pore structure and a bioactive composition were produced using a robotic dispensing technique. A poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite solution (PCL/HA = 1) was constructed into a 3-dimensional (3D) porous scaffold by fiber deposition and layer-by-layer assembly using a computer-aided robocasting machine. The in vitro tissue cell compatibility was examined using rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs). The adhesion and growth of cells onto the robotic dispensed scaffolds were observed to be limited by applying the conventional cell seeding technique. However, the initially adhered cells were viable on the scaffold surface. The alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells was significantly higher on the HA–PCL than on the PCL and control culture dish, suggesting that the robotic dispensed HA–PCL scaffold should stimulate the osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. Moreover, the expression of a series of bone-associated genes, including alkaline phosphatase and collagen type I, was highly up-regulated on the HA–PCL scaffold as compared to that on the pure PCL scaffold. Overall, the robotic dispensed HA–PCL is considered to find potential use as a bioactive 3D scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Seok-Jung Hong and Ishik Jeong contributed equally.     

Poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) biodegradable microfibers and electrospun nanofibers for nerve tissue engineering: an in vitro study

For tissue engineering applications, the distribution and growth of cells on a scaffold are key requirements. The potential of biodegradable poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer with different microstructures, as scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering was investigated. In this study, an attempt was made to develop porous nanofibrous scaffolds by the electrospinning method. In this process, polymer fibers with diameters in the nanometer range are formed by subjecting a polymer fluid jet to a high electric field. Attempt was also made to develop microbraided and aligned microfiber scaffolds. A polymer film scaffold was made by solvent casting method. C17.2 nerve stem cells were seeded and cultured on all the four different types of scaffolds under static conditions for 3 days. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the nerve stem cells adhered and differentiated on all the scaffolds and supported neurite outgrowth. Interesting observation was seen in the aligned microfiber scaffolds, where the C17.2 nerve stem cells attached and differentiated along the direction of the fibers. The size and shape of the cell-polymer constructs remained intact. The present study suggests that PLGA is a potential scaffold for nerve tissue engineering and predicts the orientation and growth of nerve stem cells on the scaffold.     

Performance of evacuated calcium phosphate microcarriers loaded with mesenchymal stem cells within a rat calvarium defect

Tissue engineering of stem cells in concert with 3-dimensional (3D) scaffolds is a promising approach for regeneration of bone tissues. Bioactive ceramic microspheres are considered effective 3D stem cell carriers for bone tissue engineering. Here we used evacuated calcium phosphate (CaP) microspheres as the carrier of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from rat bone marrow. The performance of the CaP-MSCs construct in bone formation within a rat calvarium defect was evaluated. MSCs were first cultured in combination with the evacuated microcarriers for 7?days in an osteogenic medium, which was then implanted in the 6?mm-diameter calvarium defect for 12?weeks. For comparison purposes, a control defect and cell-free CaP microspheres were also evaluated. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs cultivated in the evacuated CaP microcarriers was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining and real time polymerase chain reaction. The in vivo results confirmed the highest bone formation was attained in the CaP microcarriers combined with MSCs, based on microcomputed tomography and histological assays. The results suggest that evacuated CaP microspheres have the potential to be useful as stem cell carriers for bone tissue engineering.     

Fabrication and cell affinity of biomimetic structured PLGA/articular cartilage ECM composite scaffold

An ideal scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering should be biomimetic in not only mechanical property and biochemical composition, but also the morphological structure. In this research, we fabricated a composite scaffold with oriented structure to mimic cartilage physiological morphology, where natural nanofibrous articular cartilage extracellular matrix (ACECM) was used to mimic the biochemical composition, and synthetic PLGA was used to enhance the mechanical strength of ACECM. The composite scaffold has well oriented structure and more than 89% of porosity as well as about 107 μm of average pore diameter. The composite scaffold was compared with ACECM and PLGA scaffolds. Cell proliferation test showed that the number of MSCs in ACECM and composite scaffolds was noticeably bigger than that in PLGA scaffold, which was coincident with results of SEM observation and cell viability staining. The water absorption of ACECM and composite scaffolds were 22.1 and 10.2 times respectively, which was much higher than that of PLGA scaffolds (3.8 times). The compressive modulus of composite scaffold in hydrous status was 1.03 MPa, which was near 10 times higher than that of hydrous ACECM scaffold. The aforementioned results suggested that the composite scaffold has the potential for application in cartilage tissue engineering.     

Injectable and Crosslinkable PLGA‐Based Microribbons as 3D Macroporous Stem Cell Niche

Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) has been widely used as a tissue engineering scaffold. However, conventional PLGA scaffolds are not injectable, and do not support direct cell encapsulation, leading to poor cell distribution in 3D. Here, a method for fabricating injectable and intercrosslinkable PLGA microribbon‐based macroporous scaffolds as 3D stem cell niche is reported. PLGA is first fabricated into microribbon‐shape building blocks with tunable width using microcontact printing, then coated with fibrinogen to enhance solubility and injectability using aqueous solution. Upon mixing with thrombin, firbornogen‐coated PLGA microribbons can intercrosslink into 3D scaffolds. When subject to cyclic compression, PLGA microribbon scaffolds exhibit great shock‐absorbing capacity and return to their original shape, while conventional PLGA scaffolds exhibit permanent deformation after one cycle. Using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a model cell type, it is demonstrated that PLGA μRB scaffolds support homogeneous cell encapsulation, and robust cell spreading and proliferation in 3D. After 28 days of culture in osteogenic medium, hMSC‐seeded PLGA μRB scaffolds exhibit an increase in compressive modulus and robust bone formation as shown by staining of alkaline phosphatase, mineralization, and collagen. Together, the results validate PLGA μRBs as a promising injectable, macroporous, non‐hydrogel‐based scaffold for cell delivery and tissue regeneration applications.     

Electrospun PCL/PLA/HA based nanofibers as scaffold for osteoblast-like cells

Polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) are frequently used as materials for tissue engineering. In this study, PCL/PLA/HA nanofiber mats with different weight ratio were prepared using electrospinning. Their structure and morphology were studied by FTIR and FESEM. FTIR results demonstrated that the HA particles were successfully incorporated into the PCL/PLA nanofibers. The FESEM images showed that the surface of fibers became coarser with the introduction of HA nanoparticles into PCL/PLA system. Furthermore, the addition of HA led to the decreasing of fiber diameter. The average diameters of PCL/PLA/HA nanofiber were in the range of 300-600 nm, while that of PCL/PLA was 776 +/- 15.4 nm. The effect of nanofiber composition on the osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion and proliferation were investigated as the preliminary biological evaluation of the scaffold. The MC3T3-E1 cell could be attached actively on all the scaffolds. The MTT assay revealed that PCL/PLA/HA scaffold shows significantly higher cell proliferation than PCL/PLA scaffolds. After 15 days of culture, mineral particles on the surface of the cells was appeared on PCL/PLA/HA nanofibers while normal cell spreading morphology on PCL/PLA nanofibers. These results manifested that electrospun PCL/PLA/HA scaffolds could enhance bone regeneration, showing their marvelous prospect as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.     

Effect of testosterone incorporation on cell proliferation and differentiation for polymer–bioceramic composites

In the current study, we characterized the polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) composites coated with testosterone propionate (T) using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Osteoblastic cells were seeded with PCL/BCP, PCL/BCP/T, PLGA/PCL/BCP and PLGA/PCL/BCP/T scaffolds, and cell viability, proliferation, differentiation and adhesion were analyzed. The results of physic-chemical experiments showed no displacements or suppression of bands in the FTIR spectra of scaffolds. The XRD patterns of the scaffolds showed an amorphous profile. The osteoblastic cells viability and proliferation increased in the presence of composites with testosterone over 72?h, and were significantly greater when PLGA/PCL/BCP/T scaffold was tested against PCL/BCP/T. Furthermore alkaline phosphatase production was significantly greater in the same group. In conclusion, the PLGA/PCL/BCP scaffold with testosterone could be a promising option for bone tissue applications due to its biocompatibility and its stimulatory effect on cell proliferation.     

Binary phase solid-state photopolymerization of acrylates: design,characterization and biomineralization of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering

Porous polymer scaffolds designed by the cryogel method are attractive materials for a range of tissue engineering applications. However, the use of toxic crosslinker for retaining the pore structure limits their clinical applications. In this research, acrylates (HEA/PEGDA, HEMA/PEGDA and PEGDA) were used in the low-temperature solid-state photopolymerization to produce porous scaffolds with good structural retention. The morphology, pore diameter, mineral deposition and water absorption of the scaffold were characterized by SEM and water absorption test respectively. Elemental analysis and cytotoxicity of the biomineralized scaffold were revealed by using XRD and MTT assay test. The PEGDA-derived scaffold showed good water absorption ability and a higher degree of porosity with larger pore size compared to others. XRD patterns and IR results confirmed the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals from an alternative socking process. The overall cell proliferation was excellent, where PEGDA-derived scaffold had the highest and the most uniform cell growth, while HEMA/PEGDA scaffold showed the least. These results suggest that the cell proliferation and adhesion are directly proportional to the pore size, the shape and the porosity of scaffolds.     

Poly(L-lactic acid) nanocylinders as nanofibrous structures for macroporous gelatin scaffolds

Electrospun Nanofiber sheets have been shown to mimic the structure of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although these nanofibers have shown great potential for use as tissue engineering scaffolds, it is difficult for the electrospun nanofiber based sheets to be shaped into the desired three-dimensional structure. In this study, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester, was electrospun to produce nanofibers that were treated with an amino group containing base in order to fabricate polymeric nanocylinders. The aspect ratio of the PLLA nanocylinders was tunable by varying the aminolysis time and density of the amino group containing base. The effects of changes in nanofibrous morphology of the PLLA nanocylinders/macro-porous gelatin scaffolds on cell adhesion and proliferation were evaluated. The results revealed different cell morphology, adhesion, and proliferation in the nanocylinders composite gelatin scaffold versus gelatin scaffold alone. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observation showed more spreading and a more flattened cell morphology after NIH3T3 cells were cultured on PLLA nanocylinders/gelatin scaffolds for 10 hours and 4 days. These results indicate that the gelatin/PLLA nanocylinder composite is a promising way to fabricate 3D nanofibrous scaffolds that accelerates cell adhesion and proliferation for tissue engineering.     

From design of bio-based biocomposite electrospun scaffolds to osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells

Electrospinning coupled with electrospraying provides a straightforward and robust route toward promising electrospun biocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In this comparative investigation, four types of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based nanofibrous scaffolds were produced by electrospinning a PHB solution, a PHB/gelatin (GEL) mixture or a PHB/GEL/nHAs (hydroxyapatite nanoparticles) mixed solution, and by electrospinning a PHB/GEL solution and electrospraying a nHA dispersion simultaneously. SEM and TEM analyses demonstrated that the electrospun nHA-blended framework contained a majority of nHAs trapped within the constitutive fibers, whereas the electrospinning-electrospraying combination afforded fibers with a rough surface largely covered by the bioceramic. Structural and morphological characterizations were completed by FTIR, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and contact angle measurements. Furthermore, an in vitro investigation of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) adhesion and proliferation properties showed a faster cell development on gelatin-containing scaffolds. More interestingly, a long-term investigation of hMSC osteoblastic differentiation over 21 days indicate that hMSCs seeded onto the nHA-sprayed scaffold developed a significantly higher level of alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as a higher matrix biomineralization rate through the staining of the generated calcium deposits: the fiber surface deposition of nHAs by electrospraying enabled their direct exposure to hMSCs for an efficient transmission of the bioceramic osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, producing a suitable biocomposite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.     

Three dimensional printed macroporous polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds for promoting bone formation in a critical-size rat calvarial defect model

We have explored the applicability of printed scaffold by comparing osteogenic ability and biodegradation property of three resorbable biomaterials. A polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite (PLA/HA) composite with a pore size of 500 μm and 60% porosity was fabricated by three-dimensional printing. Three-dimensional printed PLA/HA, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and partially demineralized bone matrix (DBM) seeded with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were evaluated by cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic gene expression of osteopontin (OPN) and collagen type I (COL-1). Moreover, the biocompatibility, bone repairing capacity and degradation in three different bone substitute materials were estimated using a critical-size rat calvarial defect model in vivo. The defects were evaluated by micro-computed tomography and histological analysis at four and eight weeks after surgery, respectively. The results showed that each of the studied scaffolds had its own specific merits and drawbacks. Three-dimensional printed PLA/HA scaffolds possessed good biocompatibility and stimulated BMSC cell proliferation and differentiation to osteogenic cells. The outcomes in vivo revealed that 3D printed PLA/HA scaffolds had good osteogenic capability and biodegradation activity with no difference in inflammation reaction. Therefore, 3D printed PLA/HA scaffolds have potential applications in bone tissue engineering and may be used as graft substitutes in reconstructive surgery.     

Nanophase hydroxyapatite and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) composites promote human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation in vitro

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) typically range in size from 10 to 50 μm and proteins that mediate hMSC adhesion and differentiation usually have a size of a few nanometers. Nanomaterials with a feature size smaller than 100 nm have demonstrated the unique capability of promoting osteoblast (bone forming cell) adhesion and long-term functions, leading to more effective bone tissue regeneration. For new bone deposition, MSCs have to be recruited to the injury or disease sites and then differentiate into osteoblasts. Therefore, designing novel nanomaterials that are capable of attracting MSCs and directing their differentiation is of great interest to many clinical applications. This in vitro study investigated the effects of nanophase hydroxyapatite (nano-HA), nano-HA/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composites and a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-7) derived short peptide on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The short peptide was loaded by physical adsorption to nano-HA or by dispersion in nanocomposites and in PLGA to determine their effects on hMSC adhesion and differentiation. The results showed that the nano-HA/PLGA composites promoted hMSC adhesion as compared to the PLGA controls. Moreover, nano-HA/PLGA composites promoted osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs to a similar extent with or without the presence of osteogenic factors in the media. In the MSC growth media without the osteogenic factors, the nanocomposites supported greater calcium-containing bone mineral deposition by hMSC than the BMP-derived short peptide alone. The nanocomposites provided promising alternatives in controlling the adhesion and differentiation of hMSCs without osteogenic factors from the culture media, and, thus, should be further studied for clinical translation and the development of novel nanocomposite-guided stem cell therapies.