Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
09:32
Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization
Published on: April 19, 2015
In vitro adipose tissue engineering using an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold
Rabie M Shanti1, Sasa Janjanin, Wan-Ju Li
1Department of Health and Human Services, Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. shanti.rabie@gmail.com
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|October 25, 2008
Summary
Poly L-lactic acid nanofibrous scaffolds support the differentiation of human stem cells into fat cells. This shows potential for engineering adipose tissue using adult stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- 3D nanofibrous scaffolds mimic natural extracellular matrix structures.
- These scaffolds can influence cellular behavior and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous scaffold.
- To evaluate its efficacy in supporting adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLLA-based 3D nanofibrous scaffolds.
- Culture of hMSCs on scaffolds with adipogenic supplements.
- Oil red O staining for lipid accumulation.
- Semi-quantitative RT-PCR for adipogenesis gene expression.
- Immunofluorescence staining for adipose-specific markers.
Main Results:
- Positive oil red O staining indicated lipid accumulation in differentiated cells.
- Significant upregulation of adipogenesis genes: lipoprotein lipase (LPL) by 1797-fold and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) by 5.6-fold.
- Immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of LPL vesicles, characteristic of adipocytes.
Conclusions:
- PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds effectively support and maintain adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
- These scaffolds represent a promising biomaterial for adipose tissue engineering applications.
- Further research can explore in vivo applications for regenerative medicine.
