Co3O4/carbon nanohybrids embedded in the fibrous scaffolds promote stem cell osteogenic differentiation via strengthening cell mechanotransduction

Bone regenerative biomaterials are essential in treating bone defects by supplying fundamental extracellular substrates where cells can adhere, proliferate, and differentiate. Physical cues from the matrix can initiate intracellular biochemical signals through mechanotransduction, and then dictate cell differentiation; thus, developing desirable biomaterials with appropriate mechanical properties has profound implications for enhancing the therapeutic potential of stem cell research in tissue engineering applications. Here, we revealed that the cobalt ions could strengthen the intracellular traction force and activate the mechanotransduction of stem cells on the polycaprolactone electrospinning fibers. To achieve the persistent and stable release of cobalt ions, the fibrous scaffolds were modified with Co 3 O 4 /carbon (C-Co 3 O 4 ) nanohybrids. As a result, the stem cell on the C-Co 3 O 4 nanohybrids-embedded fibrous scaffolds differentiated towards osteogenesis. Overall, synthetic scaffolds can be used as a promising biomimetic agent for bone regeneration. Schematic diagram of C-Co 3 O 4 nanohybrids-embedded fibrous scaffolds promote mechanosensing of stem cells via releasing cobalt ions. Schematic diagram of C-Co 3 O 4 nanohybrids-embedded fibrous scaffolds promote mechanosensing of stem cells via releasing cobalt ions. • The PCL fibrous scaffolds embedded with C-Co 3 O 4 nanohybrids strengthen stem cell osteogenic differentiation. • It has been revealed that the cobalt ions could give a boost on increasing mechanosensing. • Our study provides insights into the mechanism via which C-Co 3 O 4 nanohybrid promotes osteogenic differentiation.