Differentiation Capacity of Monocyte-Derived Multipotential Cells on Nanocomposite Poly(e-caprolactone)-Based Thin...

Μonocyte-derived multipotential cells (MOMCs) include progenitors capable of differentiation into multiple cell lineages and thus represent an ideal autologous transplantable cell source for regenerative medicine. In this study, we cultured MOMCs, generated from mononuclear cells of peripheral blood, on the surface of nanocomposite thin films.

For this purpose, nanocomposite Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)-based thin films containing either 2.5 wt% silica nanotubes (SiO₂ntbs) or strontium hydroxyapatite nanorods (SrHAnrds), were prepared using the spin-coating method. The induced differentiation capacity of MOMCs, towards bone and endothelium, was estimated using flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy after cells' genetic modification using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System aiming their observation onto the scaffolds. Moreover, Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells were cultivated as a control cell line, while Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells were used to strengthen and accelerate the differentiation procedure in semi-permeable culture systems. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the studied materials was checked with MTT assay.

The highest differentiation capacity of MOMCs was observed on PCL/SiO₂ntbs 2.5 wt% nanocomposite film, as they progressively lost their native markers and gained endothelial lineage, in both protein and transcriptional level. In addition, the presence of SrHAnrds in the PCL matrix triggered processes related to osteoblast bone formation.

To conclude, the differentiation of MOMCs was selectively guided by incorporating SiO₂ntbs or SrHAnrds into a polymeric matrix, for the first time.