Hierarchical scaffolds enhance osteogenic differentiation of human Wharton's jelly derived stem cells.
Hierarchical structures, constituted by polymeric nano and microfibers, have been considered promising scaffolds for tissue engineering strategies, mainly because they mimic, in some way, the complexity and nanoscale detail observed in real organs. The chondrogenic potential of these scaffolds has been previously demonstrated, but their osteogenic potential is not yet corroborated. In order to assess if a hierarchical structure, with nanoscale details incorporated, is an improved scaffold for bone tissue regeneration, we evaluate cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human Wharton's jelly derived stem cells (hWJSCs), seeded into hierarchical fibrous scaffolds. Biological data corroborates that hierarchical fibrous scaffolds show an enhanced cell entrapment when compared to rapid prototyped scaffolds without nanofibers. Furthermore, upregulation of bone specific genes and calcium phosphate deposition confirms the successful osteogenic differentiation of hWJSCs on these scaffolds. These results support our hypothesis that a scaffold with hierarchical structure, in conjugation with hWJSCs, represents a possible feasible strategy for bone tissue engineering applications.
3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho; Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, S. Cláudio do Barco, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas; Guimarães, Portugal. ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
Analuce
A
Canha-Gouveia
Ana
A
Rita Costa-Pinto
Albino M
AM
Martins
Nuno A
NA
Silva
Susana
S
Faria
Rui A
RA
Sousa
António J
AJ
Salgado
Nuno
N
Sousa
Rui L
RL
Reis
Nuno M
NM
Neves
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*; D059631:Wharton Jelly / Q000166:cytology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials