Bioengineered titanium implants functionalized with aptamer-valproic acid conjugates orchestrate macrophage programming and mesenchymal stem cell homing for improved osseointegration.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42290973.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.05.055 and PMC identifier 13264186.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
Conventional titanium implants often exhibit limited bioactivity, failing to adequately modulate the immune response and promote endogenous regeneration, which leads to suboptimal osseointegration. To address this, we developed a multifunctional implant (NTP/Apt-VPA) by conjugating Apt19s-an mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-specific aptamer-with valproic acid (VPA), anchored onto a polydopamine-coated TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotubular surface. The NTP/Apt-VPA implant demonstrated exceptional capabilities in scavenging reactive oxygen species, programming macrophages toward the regenerative M2 phenotype, and enhancing the recruitment and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Through comprehensive <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> assessments, as well as RNA sequencing analysis, we observed that the modified implant was associated with accelerated early inflammation resolution, enhanced stem cell homing, and activation of key osteogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling. This study presents a bioengineering strategy that aims to synchronize immunomodulation with osteogenesis through an Apt19s-VPA conjugate, which may offer a promising platform for enhancing implant osseointegration.