2D Covalent Organic Framework Direct Stem Cell Differentiation

• Published in: Advanced healthcare materials 2022-02, Vol.11 (10), p.e2101737-e2101737
• Main Authors: Bhunia, Sukanya, Jaiswal, Manish K., Singh, Kanwar Abhay, Deo, Kaivalya A., Gaharwar, Akhilesh K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2192-2640; 2192-2659
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101737

Two–dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging class of crystalline porous organic polymer with wide-range of potential applications. However, poor processability, aqueous instability, and low water dispersibility greatly limit their practical biomedical implementation. Herein, we report a new class of hydrolytically-stable 2D COFs for sustained delivery of drug to direct stem cell fate. Specifically, a boronate–based COF (COF-5) is stabilized using amphiphilic polymer Pluronic F127 (PLU) to produce COF-PLU nanoparticle with thickness of ~25 nm, and diameter ~200 nm. These nanoparticles are internalized via clathrin mediated endocytosis and have high cytocompatibility (half inhibitory concentration ~1 mg/mL). Interestingly, the 2D COFs induces osteogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells, which is unique. In addition, we are able to load osteogenic agent – dexamethasone within the porous structure of COFs for sustain delivery which further enhance the osteoinductive ability. Our results demonstrate for the first time, fabrication of hydrolytically-stable 2D COFs for sustained delivery of drugs and demonstrate its osteoinductive characteristics. We report osteoinductive ability of hydrolytically-stable two-dimensions (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to direct stem cell fate. The high porous network of 2D COFs can be used to load therapeutics (dexamethasone) to promote formation of mineralized matrix.