PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2025

Gelatin/Cerium-Doped Bioactive Glass Composites for Enhancing Cellular Functions of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBMSCs)

Iodchik A, Lusvardi G, et al.

Gels

TU Dresden University of Technology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study introduces novel gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels incorporating cerium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (Ce-MBG) microparticles as osteoinductive scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The composites displayed a homogeneous microstructure with well-dispersed MBGs, verified by SEM–EDX mapping. Swelling decreased with higher MBG loading, while mechanical stiffness (19–26 kPa) remained stable across cerium doping levels. The Ce-MBG composites exhibited enhanced calcium phosphate deposition, silicon ion release, and favorable ion exchange kinetics. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) cultured on Ce-MBG–GelMA composites showed elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteogenic differentiation after 28 days, linked to cerium-mediated antioxidant and redox-modulating effects. The results demonstrate that Ce-MBGs provide synergistic physicochemical cues enhancing hBMSC proliferation, differentiation, and matrix mineralization.

Compressive testing of hydrated GelMA/Ce-MBG composites was performed using a CellScale MicroSquisher. Cylindrical samples (3 mm diameter) were tested under 50 % displacement at 37 °C in PBS or cell culture medium. The compressive modulus was derived from the linear elastic region (0–15 % strain). Results confirmed uniform elastic behavior (19–26 kPa) with no significant difference between undoped and Ce-doped composites, validating structural stability under physiological conditions. The MicroSquisher enabled fine-scale quantification of stiffness variations related to MBG content and crosslinking efficiency.

AUTHORS

Andrey Iodchik, Gigliola Lusvardi, Alfonso Zambon, Poh Soo Lee, Hans-Peter Wiesmann, Anne Bernhardt, Vera Hintze.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Gels

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

TU Dresden University of Technology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

COUNTRIES

Germany, Italy

INSTRUMENT USED

MicroSquisher

TESTING METHODS

Compression TestingHydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingMicro-Mechanical Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Bone Tissue Engineering & MechanicsCell Laden HydrogelsHydrogel Mechanical TestingInjectable & Regenerative BiomaterialsMusculoskeletal Tissue Engineering & MechanicsStem Cell Mechanobiology

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