Substrate topography determines the fate of chondrogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells resulting in specific cartilage phenotype formation.
To reproduce a complex and functional tissue, it is crucial to provide a biomimetic cellular microenvironment that not only incorporates biochemical cues, but also physical features including the nano-topographical patterning, for cell/matrix interaction. We developed spatially-controlled nano-topography in the form of nano-pillar, nano-hole and nano-grill on polycaprolactone surface via thermal nanoimprinting. The effects of chondroitin sulfate-coated nano-topographies on cell characteristics and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) were investigated. Our results show that various nano-topographical patterns triggered changes in MSC morphology and cytoskeletal structure, affecting cell aggregation and differentiation. Compared to non-patterned surface, nano-pillar and nano-hole topography enhanced MSC chondrogenesis and facilitated hyaline cartilage formation. MSCs experienced delayed chondrogenesis on nano-grill topography and were induced to fibro/superficial zone cartilage formation. This study demonstrates the sensitivity of MSC differentiation to surface nano-topography and highlights the importance of incorporating topographical design in scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. From the clinical editor: These authors have developed spatially-controlled nano-topography in the form of nano-pillar, nano-hole and nano-grill on polycaprolactone surface via thermal nanoimprinting, and the effects of chondroitin sulfate-coated nano-topographies on cell characteristics and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were investigated. It has been concluded that MSC differentiation is sensitive to surface nano-topography, and certain nano-imprinted surfaces are more useful than others for cartilage tissue engineering.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, Singapore.
Ying-Nan
YN
Wu
Institute of Materials Research Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 3 Research Link, Singapore.
Jaslyn Bee Khuan
JB
Law
Institute of Materials Research Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 3 Research Link, Singapore.
Ai Yu
AY
He
Institute of Materials Research Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 3 Research Link, Singapore; Singapore University of Technology and Design, Engineering Product Development 20, Singapore.
Hong Yee
HY
Low
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tissue Engineering Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
James H P
JH
Hui
Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, Singapore.
Chwee Teck
CT
Lim
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tissue Engineering Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: lsiyz@nus.edu.sg.
Zheng
Z
Yang
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, Singapore; Tissue Engineering Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: dosleeeh@nus.edu.sg.
Eng Hin
EH
Lee
D002356:Cartilage / Q000166:cytology*; D019070:Cell Lineage; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D020219:Chondrogenesis; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
Chondrogenesis; Mesenchymal stem cell; Nanotopography; Zonal cartilage