Interactions between structural and chemical biomimetism in synthetic stem cell niches
Year: 2015
Authors: Nava M.M., Raimondi M.T., Credi C., De Marco C., Turri S., Cerullo G., Osellame R.
Autors Affiliation: Politecn Milan, Dept Chem Mat & Chem Engn Giulio Natta, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Politecn Milan, CNR, Ist Foton & Nanotecnol, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Politecn Milan, Dept Phys, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
Abstract: Advancements in understanding stem cell functions and differentiation are of key importance for the clinical success of stem-cell-based therapies. 3D structural niches fabricated by two-photon polymerization are a powerful platform for controlling stem cell growth and differentiation. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of further controlling stem cell fate by tuning the mechanical properties of such niches through coating with thin layers of biomimetic hyaluronan-based and gelatin-based hydrogels. We first assess the biocompatibility of chemical coatings and then study the interactions between structural and chemical biomimetism on the response of MSCs in terms of proliferation and differentiation. We observed a clear effect of the hydrogel coating on otherwise identical 3D scaffolds. In particular, in gelatin-coated niches we observed a stronger metabolic activity and commitment toward the osteo-chondral lineage with respect to hyaluronan-coated niches. Conversely, a reduction in the homing effect was observed in all the coated niches, especially in gelatin-coated niches. This study demonstrates the feasibility of controlling independently different mechanical cues, in bioengineered stem cell niches, i.e. the 3D scaffold geometry and the surface stiffness. This will allow, on the one hand, understanding their specific role in stem cell proliferation and differentiation and, on the other hand, finely tuning their synergistic effect.
Journal/Review: BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
Volume: 10 (1) Pages from: 15012-1 to: 15012-14
More Information: This project is funded by the Cariplo Foundation (Milano), under grant 2010 ’3D Micro-structuring and Functionalisation of Polymeric Materials for Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine’. We thank Dr Marina Figliuzzi and Dr Irene Catteneo of M. Negri Institue for Pharmacological Research for providing expert help in the immunofluorescence studies.KeyWords: stem cells; synthetic niches; biomimetics; two photon polymerization; coating; mechanobiologyDOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/10/1/015012Citations: 21data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-10-20References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)