Highly disordered and resorbable lithiated nanoparticles with osteogenic and angiogenic properties

Abstract

In this study, we have developed unique bioresorbable lithiated nanoparticles (LiCP, d₅₀ = 20 nm), demonstrating a versatile material for bone repair and regeneration applications. The LiCPs are biocompatible even at the highest concentration tested (1000 μg mL⁻¹) where bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) maintained over 90% viability compared to the control. Notably, LiCP significantly enhanced the expression of osteogenic and angiogenic markers in vitro; collagen I, Runx2, angiogenin, and EGF increased by 8-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, and 7.5-fold, respectively. Additionally, LiCP facilitated a marked improvement in tubulogenesis in endothelial cells across all tested concentrations. Remarkably, in an ectopic mouse model, LiCP induced mature bone formation, outperforming both the control group and non-lithiated nanoparticles. These findings establish lithiated nanoparticles as a highly promising material for advancing bone repair and regeneration therapies, offering dual benefits in osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The results lay the groundwork for future studies and potential clinical applications, where precise modulation of lithium release could tailor therapeutic outcomes to meet specific patient needs in bone and vascular tissue engineering.