Capacitive electrical stimulation effects on osteoblast-released matrix microvesicles

Passive implants currently used in the clinics cannot prevent failure rates and inherent revision arthroplasties. Novel bioelectronic devices that include biophysical stimulators (such as electric stimulators) and sensing systems are desired since these will allow for long-term monitoring and control of the bone-implant interface, in a personalized manner. We have developed acting-sensing dual systems operated at high frequency (HF) that are able to stimulate osteoconduction in pre-osteoblasts and osteoinduction in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs). The project included – to our knowledge – the first-time proteomic analysis of microvesicles secreted from osteoblasts electrically-stimulated in vitro by a capacitive stimulator of thin interdigitated electrodes delivering an electrical 60 kHz HF stimulation, 30 min/day. Results revealed regulation of osteodifferentiation and mineralization-related proteins (e.g. Tgfb3, Ttyh3, Itih1, Aldh1a1).