Multi-functionalized nanofibers with reactive oxygen species scavenging capability and fibrocartilage inductivity for tendon-bone integration

The presence of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) after injuries to the enthesis could lead to cellular oxidative damage, high inflammatory response, chronic inflammation, and limited fibrochondral inductivity, making tissue repair and functional recovery difficult. Here, a multifunctional silk fibroin nanofiber modified with polydopamine and kartogenin was designed and fabricated to not only effectively reduce inflammation by scavenging ROS in the early stage of the enthesis healing but also enhance fibrocartilage formation with fibrochondrogenic induction in the later stages. The in vitro results confirmed the antioxidant capability and the fibrochondral inductivity of the functionalized nanofibers. In vivo studies showed that the multifunctional nanofiber can significantly improve the integration of tendon-bone and accelerate the regeneration of interface tissue, resulting in an excellent biomechanical property. Thus, the incorporation of antioxidant and bio-active molecules into extracellular matrix-like biomaterials in interface tissue engineering provides an integrative approach that facilitates damaged tissue regeneration and functional recovery, thereby improving the clinical outcome of the engineered tissue. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

A multifunctional silk fibroin nanofiber modified with polydopamine and kartogenin was designed and fabricated to reduce inflammation and enhance fibrocartilage formation, promoting enthesis healing. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the antioxidant capability and fibrochondral inductivity of the functionalized nanofibers, resulting in improved tendon-bone integration and accelerated interface tissue regeneration with excellent biomechanical properties. Incorporating antioxidant and bio-active molecules into extracellular matrix-like biomaterials in interface tissue engineering facilitates damaged tissue regeneration and functional recovery, improving the clinical outcome of engineered tissue.