A functional polyester carrying free hydroxyl groups promotes the mineralization of osteoblast and human mesenchymal stem cell extracellular matrix.

Functional groups can control biointerfaces and provide a simple way to make therapeutic materials. We recently reported the design and synthesis of poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD) carrying a free hydroxyl group in its repeating unit. This paper examines the use of this polymer to promote biomineralization for application in bone tissue engineering. PSeD promoted more mineralization of extracellular matrix secreted by human mesenchymal stem cells and rat osteoblasts than poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which is currently widely used in bone tissue engineering. PSeD showed in vitro osteocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility that matched or surpassed that of PLGA, as well as supported the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells. This demonstrates the potential of PSeD for use in bone regeneration.