Polydopamine‐based surface functionalization of watermelon rind as a 3D nanofibrous cellulose scaffold for osteogenesis

In this study, we investigated the osteogenic potential of a low cost, sustainable cellulosic scaffold made from decellularized water-melon rind (dWMR). The dWMR scaffold was later surface treated with polydopamine (PDA) to achieve a higher surface roughness and a protein adhesive, hydrophilic surface. The PDA coated dWMR scaffold was characterized through morphological, enzymatic activity and molecular analyses. The osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proved the osteoinductive potential of the dWMR scaffold. The PDA treatment supported the osteoinduction of hMSCs, as reflected in the raised expression level of the genes responsible for mineralization and formation of hydroxyapatite crystals compared to that for the dWMR.