Abstract
A previous study demonstrated that the incorporation of bioactive glass (BG) into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) can promote the osteoblastic differentiation of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) on PLGA by promoting the formation of a calcium-phosphate-rich layer on its surface. To further understand the mechanisms underlying the osteogenic effect of PLGA-BG composite scaffolds, whether solution-mediated factors derived from composite scaffolds/hybrids can promote osteogenesis of marrow stromal cells was tested. The dissolution product from PLGA-30%BG scaffold stimulated osteogenesis of MSCs, as was confirmed by increased mRNA expression of osteoblastic markers such as osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone sialoprotein (BSP). The three-dimensional structure of the scaffolds may contribute to the production of cell-derived factors that promoted distant MSC differentiation. Thus PLGA-BG composites demonstrate significant potential as a bone-replacement material.