Stromal cell-derived factor-1α–encapsulated albumin/heparin nanoparticles for induced stem cell migration and intervertebral disc regeneration in vivo

Publication date: Available online 26 March 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Hua Zhang, Shan Yu, Xinlian Zhao, Zhengwei Mao, Changyou Gao
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration may cause many diseases and pain. Stem cell migration toward the site of IVD degeneration is a key factor for IVD regeneration. In the current study, we prepared albumin/heparin nanoparticles (BHNPs) as injectable carriers of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α, also known as C-X-C motif chemokine 12), a powerful chemoattractant for the homing of bone marrow resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), for protection of the molecule against degradation for a sustained release. The NPs have relatively uniform small size, with a diameter of about 110 nm. The NPs possess a high loading capacity of SDF-1α with a sustained release profile. The bioactivity of the obtained BHNPs/SDF was then studied in vitro and in vivo. The BHNPs/SDF can induce migration of MSCs in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. After injected into the damaged disc, BHNPs/SDF induce much better regeneration of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus, compared to SDF-1α and BHNPs alone, evidenced with better histological grade scores and higher expression of SOX9, Aggrecan, and Collagen type II at the level of both mRNA and protein. This study provides a simple nanoplatform to load SDF-1α and protect it against degradation, with potential application in inductive tissue regeneration in vivo.Statement of significanceStem cell migration toward the site of IVD degeneration is a key factor to help IVD regeneration. In current study, we prepared albumin/heparin nanoparticles (BHNPs) as injectable carriers to protect and sustained release of SDF-1α. After injected into damaged disc, BHNPs/SDF induce much better regeneration of IVD, compared to SDF-1α and BHNPs alone. This study provides a simply nanoplatform to load and protect SDF-1α, with potential application in inductive tissue regeneration in vivo.

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