Introduction: Large bone abnormalities are commonly treated using distraction osteogenesis (DO), but it is not suitable for a long-term application; therefore, there is an urgent need for adjuvant therapy that can accelerate bone repair.
Methods: We have synthesized mesoporous silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles doped with cobalt ions (Co-MMSNs) and assessed their capacity to quicken bone regrowth in a mouse model of DO. Furthermore, local injection of the Co-MMSNs significantly accelerated bone healing in DO, as demonstrated by X-ray imaging, micro-CT, mechanical tests, histological evaluation, and immunochemical analysis.
Results: In vitro, the Co-MMSNs exhibited good biocompatibility and induced angiogenic gene expression and osteogenic development in bone mesenchymal stem cells. And the Co-MMSNs can promote bone regeneration in a rat DO model.
Discussion: This study demonstrated the significant potential of Co-MMSNs to shorten the DO treatment duration and effectively reduce the incidence of complications.
Keywords: mesoporous silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles, mesenchymal stem cells, large bone defects, distraction osteogenesis, bone regeneration