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Updated: May 26, 2026
Preparation of 3D Fibrin Scaffolds for Stem Cell Culture Applications
Published on: March 2, 2012
Non-virally modified human mesenchymal stem cells produce ciliary neurotrophic factor in biodegradable fibrin-based
Antos Shakhbazau1, Dzmitry Shcharbin, Natalya Petyovka
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
We report the adaptation of dendrimer-based nonviral expression system for ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) overproduction in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) embedded into fibrin-based three-dimensional (3D) matrix. Time-restricted neurotrophin expression enables autologous adult stem cells for additional trophic support and increases their therapeutic potential in neuroregeneration applications. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-NH(2) dendrimers of fourth generation effectively provided virus-free delivery and expression of CNTF-internal ribosome entry site-green fluorescent protein cassette with a transfection efficiency in hMSCs over 11%. CNTF levels in transfected cultures were 10-fold higher as compared with the control cells. Dendrimer-driven CNTF expression also persisted in hMSCs embedded into fibrin-based 3D matrix, an emerging vehicle for cell delivery or bioartificial organ formation. Nonviral modification of autologous adult stem cells with use of dendrimers is a novel tool perspective in terms of biosafety and technological availability.
