Incorporation of small extracellular vesicles in PEG/HA-Bio-Oss hydrogel composite scaffold for bone regeneration

Stem cell derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for the repair of bone defects. However, low retention of sEVs affects their therapeutic effects. Clinically used natural substitute inorganic bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss) bone powder lacks high compactibility and efficient osteo-inductivity that limit its clinical application in repairing large bone defects. In this study, a poly ethylene glycol/hyaluronic acid (PEG/HA) hydrogel was used to stabilize Bio-Oss and incorporate rat bone marrow stem cell-derived sEVs (rBMSCs-sEVs) to engineer a PEG/HA-Bio-Oss (PEG/HA-Bio) composite scaffold. Encapsulation and sustained release of sEVs in hydrogel scaffold can enhance the retention of sEVs in targeted area, achieving long-lasting repair effect. Meanwhile, synergistic administration of sEVs and Bio-Oss in cranial defect can improve therapeutic effects. The PEG/HA-Bio composite scaffold showed good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, supporting the growth of rBMSCs. Furthermore, sEVs enhanced in vitro cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. Implantation of sEVs/PEG/HA-Bio in rat cranial defect model promoted in vivo bone regeneration, suggesting the great potential of sEVs/PEG/HA-Bio composite scaffold for bone repair and regeneration. Overall, this work provides a strategy of combining hydrogel composite scaffold systems and stem cell-derived sEVs for the application of tissue engineering repair.