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

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.