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Optimizing Attachment of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Poly(ε-caprolactone) Electrospun Yarns
Published on: April 10, 2015
Viability of mesenchymal stem cells during electrospinning
G Zanatta1, D Steffens, D I Braghirolli
1Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-tronco, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil.
Summary
Electrospinning incorporates cells into tissue engineering scaffolds, but significantly reduces cell viability. Further research is needed to protect cells during this nanofiber production process.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tissue engineering aims to reconstruct live tissues by combining cells with biomaterials.
- Electrospinning is a key technique for creating nanofibrous scaffolds essential for tissue engineering applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel method for incorporating cells directly into electrospun fibrous scaffolds.
- To assess the viability of mesenchymal stem cells and mononuclear cells after direct incorporation via electrospinning.
Main Methods:
- Mesenchymal stem cells and mononuclear cells were isolated from umbilical cord sources.
- Cells were suspended in a 10% polyvinyl alcohol solution and electrospun under specific voltage and time parameters.
- Cell viability was quantified using trypan blue staining before and after electrospinning.
- Scaffold morphology and cell distribution were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in cell viability were observed post-electrospinning: mesenchymal stem cells decreased from 88% to 19.6%, and mononuclear cells from 99% to 8.38%.
- Potential causes for cell death include high solution viscosity, nutrient deprivation, and the electric and mechanical stresses inherent to the electrospinning process.
- Confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of cells within the electrospun scaffolds, despite the viability challenges.
Conclusions:
- Directly incorporating cells into scaffolds during electrospinning is a feasible, albeit damaging, approach for tissue engineering.
- Significant improvements are required to enhance cell survival rates during this process.
- Further investigation is crucial to develop protective strategies for cells during electrospinning to realize the full potential of cell-laden scaffolds.
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