Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Hydrogel with Photobiomodulation Augmentation
Published on: April 5, 2024
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) supports adhesion and migration of mesenchymal stem cells and tenocytes
Alex J Lomas1, George Gq Chen, Alicia J El Haj
1Alex J Lomas, Alicia J El Haj, Nicholas R Forsyth, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7QB, United Kingdom.
Aim:
To establish the potential of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) as a material for tendon repair.
Methods:
The biocompatibility of PHBHHx with both rat tenocytes (rT) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) was explored by monitoring adhesive characteristics on films of varying weight/volume ratios coupled to a culture atmosphere of either 21% O(2) (air) or 2% O(2) (physiological normoxia). The diameter and stiffness of PHBHHx films was established using optical coherence tomography and mechanical testing, respectively.
Results:
Film thickness correlated directly with weight/volume PHBHHx (r(2) = 0.9473) ranging from 0.1 mm (0.8% weight/volume) to 0.19 mm (2.4% weight/volume). Film stiffness on the other hand displayed a biphasic response which increased rapidly at values > 1.6% weight/volume. Optimal cell attachment of rT required films of ≥ 1.6% and ≥ 2.0% weight/volume PHBHHx in 2% O(2) and 21% O(2) respectively. A qualitative adhesion increase was noted for hMSC in films ≥ 1.2% weight/volume, becoming significant at 2% weight/volume in 2% O(2). An increase in cell adhesion was also noted with ≥ 2% weight/volume PHBHHx in 21% O(2). Cell migration into films was not observed.
Conclusion:
This evaluation demonstrates that PHBHHx is a suitable polymer for future cell/polymer replacement strategies in tendon repair.
