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Abstract_Naznin SULTANA_Biological Inspiration Meets Engineering: Biomimetic Bone Scaffolds

Biological Inspiration Meets Engineering: Biomimetic Bone Scaffolds

Naznin SULTANA

Undergraduate Medical Academy, School of Public and Allied Health

Prairie View A&M University

Texas A&M University System, Prairie View, TX77446, USA

*Correspondence:nasultana@pvamu.edu

ABSTRACT

Bone tissue engineering critically relies on the formation of functional vascular networks to support nutrient and oxygen transport. Electrospinning is a widely adopted technique for fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a biomimetic microenvironment favorable for osteogenic and angiogenic processes. However, effective scaffold design requires improved understanding of how scaffold microstructure and surface chemistry regulate cellular interactions during vascularization. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote angiogenesis by supporting endothelial cells through paracrine signaling, particularly via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as through direct cell–cell interactions such as gap junction coupling with endothelial cells, including human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The relative contributions of scaffold-mediated paracrine signaling versus direct MSC–endothelial coupling to stable vascular network formation remain incompletely understood. Clarifying these mechanisms is essential for the rational design of vascularized bone constructs. In this study, electrospinning process optimization is integrated with a mechanistic investigation of angiogenic cell interactions. Electrospun biopolymer-based scaffolds are developed to enable fine control over scaffold microstructure and surface chemistry. Systematic optimization of electrospinning parameters, including polymer concentration, flow rate, applied voltage, and needle gauge, enabled stable fiber formation with tunable diameters, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity testing demonstrated scaffold’s non-toxicity. We hypothesize that scaffold design governs VEGF-mediated paracrine signaling, while direct MSC–HUVEC coupling is required for persistent, functional vascular network formation. Vascular network density, branching, and angiogenic protein expression will be quantified to establish design principles for vascularized bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

References

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