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Optimizing Attachment of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Poly(ε-caprolactone) Electrospun Yarns
Published on: April 10, 2015
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Cell attachment to hydrogel-electrospun fiber mat composite materials
Ning Han1, Jed K Johnson2, Patrick A Bradley3
1William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Ceres-han@hotmail.com.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|June 24, 2014
Summary
Tissue engineering materials like hydrogels and electrospun fiber mats (EFMs) influence cell behavior differently. Topography affects cell attachment, while material chemistry impacts cell spreading, guiding future composite design.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hydrogels and electrospun fiber mats (EFMs) are vital for tissue engineering due to their biomimicry.
- Despite chemical similarities, hydrogels and EFMs possess distinct topographical features.
- Understanding these differences is key to optimizing cell interactions with engineered tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how surface topography and composition of hydrogels, EFMs, and their composites affect cell behavior.
- To elucidate the independent and combined roles of material chemistry and physical structure in cell response.
- To provide design principles for advanced tissue engineering scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEGPCL) hydrogels.
- Preparation of electrospun poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and core/shell PCL/PEGPCL fiber mats.
- Assessment of cell adhesion, circularity, and spreading on various material topographies and compositions.
Main Results:
- Cellular adhesion and circularity were predominantly governed by the fibrous topography of the materials.
- Cell spreading was more significantly influenced by the chemical composition of the hydrogels and EFMs.
- Composite materials demonstrated tunable cell responses based on the interplay of topography and chemistry.
Conclusions:
- Material topography is a primary driver for cell attachment and proliferation in engineered tissues.
- Material chemistry plays a crucial role in regulating cell spreading and morphology.
- Strategic combination of topographical and chemical cues in hydrogel-EFM composites allows for precise control over cell behavior, advancing tissue engineering applications.
