Microcrystalline cellulose and boric acid functionalized hydrogel for differentiation of bone marrow stem cells: biocompatibility, hemocompatibility and protein adsorption

A favourable environment for cell proliferation and differentiation can be achieved by hydrogels blended with various bioactive factors. Herein, we used sol-gel technique to synthesize a silica based gel, which was functionalized with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and boric acid (BA) to enhance differentiation of bone marrow stem cells. Among different ratios tested, MCC10-BA hydrogel exhibited the highest specific surface area of 471.126 m²/g, a micropore volume of 0.243 cm³/g and a compressive modulus of 106.42 kPa, providing a physically ideal microenvironment for cellular adhesion and proliferation. Our results suggested that incorporation of MCC and BA to the hydrogel enhanced protein adsorption, which in turn mediated cellular adhesion. The free hemoglobin value of 69.11 % and 0.30 g/dL of MCC10-BA hydrogel similar to free hemoglobin concentration of control confirmed the hemocompatibility, ensuring its safety and functionality in clinical applications. Moreover, the gene expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin were upregulated. The osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs seeded on MCC10-BA hydrogel in alpha-MEM and osteogenic differentiation medium over a period of 21 days confirmed the applicability of the MCC and BA functionalized hydrogel in bone tissue engineering.