Cross-linking N-succinyl chitosan-oxidated hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes induce bone regeneration in cranial defects

Background Hydrogel carrying exosomes shows better prospects for bone regeneration. Objective This work investigated the effect of cross-linking N-succinyl chitosan-oxidated hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on bone regeneration in cranial defects. Methods Cross-linking N-succinyl chitosan-oxidated hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes was prepared, and utilized to treat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and rats with cranial defects. Logical experiments were implemented to research the effect of the prepared hydrogel on osteogenesis and angiogenesis of cells in vitro, and on bone regeneration in rats with cranial defects. Results Cross-linking N-succinyl chitosan-oxidated hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes showed good biocompatibility and self-healing property. It promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and facilitated osteogenic differentiation, angiogenesis and bone regeneration in rats with cranial defects. Conclusion Cross-linking N-succinyl chitosan-oxidated hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes facilitated osteogenesis, angiogenesis and bone regeneration in rats with cranial defects. It might be an effective strategy for inducing bone regeneration in individuals with cranial defects.