The Osteoinductive Effect of Water-Soluble Matrix from Nano-Nacre Particles of Haliotis diversicolor (H. diversicolor) Abalone on MC3T3-E1 Osteoblasts

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterized by an imbalance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption, leading to an increased risk of fractures. The water-soluble matrix (WSM) of nacre exhibits osteoinductive properties in osteoblastic cells, both in vitro and in vivo. However, its release from natural nacre remains challenging due to its solid and compact surface. This study aimed to prepare nano-nacre particles with smaller diameters than intact aragonite crystals to enhance WSM release and to investigate its effects on osteoblast differentiation. Size analysis and SEM imaging showed that the nano-nacre particles had an average size of about 600 nm. Furthermore, their effects on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization were evaluated through qPCR and ARS assay. The results showed that WSM significantly upregulated key osteogenic genes, including RUNX2, ALP, and OCN, in a dose- and time-dependent manner over 14 days, with fold-changes ranging from 1.6 to 3.6. Additionally, the mineralization effects showed calcium deposition levels comparable to those of the positive group. These findings suggest that WSM may be a promising soluble factor for osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Therefore, understanding the effects of the WSM from H. diversicolor nano-nacre particles on osteoblasts in vitro may provide evidence suggesting that it could be a promising anti-osteoporosis agent.