[Reading Science] Next-Generation Nanoparticle-Stem Cell Complex Opens New Horizon in Bone Regeneration

Overcoming the Limitations of Conventional Cell Spheroids...
Bone Regeneration Rate Improved by 1.3 Times
Expanding Potential as a Treatment for Bone Injuries,
Tissue Regeneration Platform, and Drug Evaluation Model

A domestic research team has developed a technology that dramatically enhances the efficiency of three-dimensional bone tissue regeneration by combining nanoparticles with stem cells. This achievement is being evaluated as a technology that could not only treat fractures and bone injuries but also change the paradigm of next-generation regenerative medicine.

On October 26, a joint research team led by Dr. Ki Young Kim of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and Professor Hamin Jin of Sunmoon University announced that they had successfully created a "nano-bio hybrid cell" by combining porous silica nanoparticles (mSiO₂) with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSC), significantly improving their bone-forming ability.

Major contributors to the paper. From the bottom left, moving counterclockwise: Hamin Jin, Professor at Sun Moon University (first author); Ki Young Kim, Senior Researcher at Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (corresponding author); Won Hoon Jung, Senior Researcher (co-author); Kyung Jin Choi, Researcher (co-author). Courtesy of Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology

Three-dimensional cell aggregates (spheroids and organoids) using stem cells have been widely used in studies simulating organs or tissues. However, there have been limitations due to difficulties in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the interior, resulting in cell death or uneven differentiation. Because of this, their application in actual bone regeneration therapy or as drug evaluation models has been restricted.

The research team evenly attached nanoparticles to the surface of stem cells, inducing the cells to interweave and form a stable spherical structure. The nanoparticles act as "scaffolds" between the cells while simultaneously carrying and gradually releasing growth factors that promote bone formation. In other words, the cells, equipped with a "nutrient capsule," are able to transform themselves into bone.

When this complex was transplanted into a mouse cranial defect model, 36% of the defect area was filled with new bone within six weeks. This regeneration rate is approximately 1.3 times higher than that of conventional spheroids composed solely of cells. Cell survival rates also improved significantly, and uniform bone differentiation was achieved.

'Nanoparticle-Woven Stem Cells' Surpass the Limits of Bone Regeneration

Conventional spheroid technology has struggled to deliver consistent regeneration effects due to structural instability and uneven differentiation. The research team succeeded, for the first time in the world, in stably binding porous silica nanoparticles to the surface of stem cells, thereby achieving both uniform differentiation and high survival rates.

Illustration demonstrating the bone regeneration effect of nanoparticle-woven stem cell-based spheroids. Provided by the research team

In particular, by loading bone-forming factors onto nanoparticles and enabling their gradual release, the team completed a new concept technology called "Nanoparticle-Woven Stem Cells," which accelerates bone tissue regeneration. This has overcome the fundamental limitations of conventional spheroids, such as structural stability, intercellular consistency, and differentiation efficiency.

This technology can be applied in various forms, including regenerative therapies for intractable bone diseases such as fractures and osteoporosis, patient-specific cell and tissue regeneration treatment platforms, and implantable bio-implants that induce uniform bone regeneration.

Furthermore, it enables the creation of three-dimensional bone tissue in the laboratory that closely resembles real human tissue, making it a promising preclinical model for evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of new drugs. This could contribute not only to regenerative medicine but also to improving efficiency and reducing costs in the drug development process.

Preparing for Clinical and Industrial Expansion... Expected Impact on the Regenerative Medicine Market

The research team plans to pursue clinical application and commercialization by linking this work with government research projects such as the Advanced Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Project. They will also work on technological advancement for clinical entry by verifying the technology in large animal models and establishing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) processes.

The research team is conducting an experiment implanting nanoparticle-stem cell complexes into laboratory mice. Provided by the research team

Dr. Ki Young Kim stated, "This achievement is a core platform technology that can be expanded beyond bone regeneration to the regeneration of various tissues such as cartilage and skin. It is expected to provide practical help in treating chronic bone diseases in an aging society."

Lee Youngkuk, President of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, expressed his expectations, saying, "Stem cell-based regenerative technology will inject new vitality into high-value-added medical device industries such as orthopedics, dentistry, and plastic surgery."

The results of this research were published in August 2025 in the international journal 'ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering' (impact factor 5.5), published by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The title of the paper is "Nanoparticle-Woven Stem Cells as Innovative Building Blocks for Enhanced 3D Bone Development and Tissue Regeneration." Dr. Ki Young Kim served as the corresponding author, and Professor Hamin Jin was the first author.