Hollow pollen grains as scaffolding building blocks in bone tissue engineering

Introduction: The current study, for the first time, suggests nature-made pollen grains (PGs) of Pistacia vera L. as a potential candidate for using as scaffolding building blocks with encapsulation capability of bioactive compounds, such as bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). Methods: A modified method using KOH (5%, 25 degrees C) was developed to produce non allergic hollow pollen grains (HPGs), confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and DNA and protein staining techniques. The in-vitro study was conducted on human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) to investigate the applicability of HPGs as bone scaffolding building blocks. Cytocompability was evaluated by FESEM, MTT assay, and gene expression analysis of apoptotic markers (BAX and BCL2). The osteoconductive potential of HPGs was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement and gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers (RUNX2 and osteocalcin). Results: Findings demonstrated that HPGs can be considered as biocompatible compounds increasing the metabolic activities of the cells. Further, the bioactive nature of HPGs resulted in suitable cellular adhesion properties, required for a potent scaffold. The investigation of apoptotic gene expression indicated a reduced BAX/BCL2 ratio reflecting the protective effect of HPGs on hAD-MSCs. The increased ALP activity and expression of osteogenic genes displayed the osteoconductive property of HPGs. Moreover, the incorporation of BMP4 in HPGs initiated a synergistic effect on osteoblast maturation. Conclusion: Owing to the unique compositional and surface nanotopographical features of the Pistacia vent L. HPG, this microscale architecture provides a favorable microenvironment for the bottom-up remodeling of bone.

Automated summary

The study suggests that Pistacia vera L. pollen grains can be used as scaffolding building blocks with encapsulation capability of bioactive compounds. The modified method produces non-allergic hollow pollen grains, which are biocompatible and promote cell metabolic activities. The incorporation of BMP4 in these pollen grains enhances osteoblast maturation, making them suitable for bone remodeling.