SA/HA double-network hydrogel combined with PVDF electret membrane enhances osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs and promotes mandibular bone defect repair

Introduction Bone tissue defects frequently occur following trauma, bone tumor resection, and orthopedic surgery. The complex local microenvironment serves as a critical factor impeding bone tissue repair. Cell-based scaffolds typically exhibit stable physicochemical properties, provide a favorable growth microenvironment. Hydrogels and electret membranes have been widely applied in bone tissue engineering. Methods In this study, we fabricated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) electret membranes and sodium alginate/sodium hyaluronate (SA/HA) double-network hydrogels separately, and systematically characterized their physicochemical and biological properties. Results Following verification of their favorable biocompatibility, we found that the combined application of SA/HA@PVDF composites significantly enhances calcium nodule formation in human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro. In addition, the expression levels of osteogenic marker proteins were elevated in the SA/HA@PVDF group and were significantly higher than those in the single-agent application groups, indicating that SA/HA@PVDF exhibits a stronger capacity to promote the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in vitro. Subsequently, rat mandibular defect models were established, and PVDF electret membranes, SA/HA hydrogels, and SA/HA@PVDF composites were transplanted into the defect sites. The results of micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the composite scaffold significantly accelerated the repair of mandibular bone defects. Conclusions Our findings may provide novel insights into the combined application of electret membranes and hydrogels in bone regeneration.