Magnesium-Impregnated Membrane Promotes Bone Regeneration in Rat Skull Defect by N-Linked Glycosylation of SPARC via MagT1

Autograft has long been the gold standard for various bone surgeries. Nevertheless, the increasing usage of synthetic implants is taking over the operation rooms due to biosafety and standardized protocols. To fulfill such tremendous needs, a magnesium-impregnated membrane is devised that steadily releases magnesium ions to stimulate osteogenesis. The compatibility of Magnesium oxide (MgO) particles is enhanced through hydration and grafting, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). With detailed degradation profiles, an in-depth investigation of Magnesium transporter 1 (MagT1) for magnesium intake is carried out and engaging in the N-linked glycosylation by using RNAi and inhibitors. The glycosylation of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) affected extracellular secretion and mineral deposition, demonstrated by immunostaining and density-dependent color-SEM (DDC-SEM). Skull defects are treated by implanting magnesium-impregnated membranes in rats and evaluated them by micro-CT and histological exams. This study revealed the compatible integration of grafted magnesium hydroxide (g-MH) particles is the key to functional performance and critical to applicability in vivo; meanwhile, it opens the door to a biological rationale for designing biomimetic materials.