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 Co3O4/carbon (C-Co3O4) nanohybrids. As a result, the stem cell on the C-Co3O4 nanohybrids-embedded fibrous scaffolds differentiated towards osteogenesis. Overall, synthetic scaffolds can be used as a promising biomimetic agent for bone regeneration.