Osteoproperties of polyethylene glycol hydrogel material

Aim The aim of the present study was to test the osteogenic potential of a synthetic hydrogel made of polyethylene glycol (PEG), loaded with adult mesenchymal stem cells, used as a biodegradable membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Materials and methods Adult mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSCs) were isolated, characterized, and seeded on the hydrogel. After 15 days of culture, the scaffolds were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and real-time PCR to assess osteogenesis, and by means array CGH (Comparative Genomic Hybridization) to test their safety. Results The in vitro results confirmed that the ADSCs were able to attach to the hydrogel and differentiate towards the osteogenic phenotype. Furthermore, array CGH analysis detected no chromosomal abnormalities, confirming the safety of the 3D cultures. Conclusion The PEG hydrogel, loaded with adult mesenchymal stem cells, seems to have an osteogenic potential and therefore could be successfully used as a membrane in the treatment of bone defects.