Novel Scaffold with GHK-Cu and Bioglass Boosts Tissue Regeneration

Tissue engineering relies on biomaterial scaffolds to support cell growth and regeneration, crucial for repairing damaged tissues like bone or skin. However, many existing scaffolds lack optimal bioactivity to significantly accelerate healing processes and integrate effectively with host tissues. This study addresses how combining GHK-Cu peptide and 58S bioglass with a collagen/chitosan-coated poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold can enhance its regenerative potential and cellular compatibility.

The dual-modified scaffolds demonstrated significantly superior biological properties compared to unmodified PCL or scaffolds modified with only one active component. Cell viability assays showed a remarkable 2.3-fold increase in HDF proliferation and an even greater 2.8-fold increase in MG-63 proliferation on the GHK-Cu/bioglass-modified scaffolds by day 14 (both p<0.001). Furthermore, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a key early marker for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, was elevated by 3.5-fold in MG-63 cells on the dual-modified scaffolds compared to controls (p<0.001). The GHK-Cu and 58S bioglass co-modified scaffold exhibited the most robust cellular response, leading to a 43% increase in extracellular matrix deposition and enhanced expression of regenerative genes like collagen type I and osteopontin by day 14, indicating superior tissue regeneration capabilities.