Enzymatic modification of eggshell membrane with the application in biomimetic scaffold

Biomimetic scaffolds that induce bone growth in defects have always been the main focus of bone regeneration research. This study was to develop biomineralization scaffolds using eggshell membranes as the bio-template. The structural and mineralizing characteristics of the inner and outer eggshell membrane (IM and OM) before and after alkaline protease and sodium sulfite treatments were investigated. Electron microscopy showed that both the IM and OM had a core-mantel structure. IM had a thinner mantel layer and more uniform fiber network structure than OM, exhibiting small average pore size and high specific surface area. The mineralization of IM and OM only occurred on the fibers surface. However, enzymatic treatment caused partial destruction of the mantel layer, which allowed the formation of mineral crystals. Specifically, the IM and enzyme-treated IM (EIM) fibers had better mineralization potentials than OM and the enzyme-treated OM (EOM), respectively. Hydroxyapatite-accumulated EIM (EIMHA) showed stronger hydrophilicity, higher BSA fixation ability, and simulated tissue fluid absorption ability. Moreover, the EIMHA facilitated the cell adhesion of the MC3T3-E1 cells and showed a strong cell proliferation activity. In summary, eggshell membranes treated with alkaline protease and sodium sulfite has a high potential to be used as a biomimetic mineralization scaffold. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This study developed biomineralization scaffolds using eggshell membranes as the bio-template, which showed better mineralization potential and cell adhesion ability after enzyme treatment.