The control of stem cell morphology and differentiation using three-dimensional printed scaffold architecture
Murat Guvendiren1, Stephanie Fung2, Joachim Kohn2
1Otto H. York Department of Chemical, Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
MRS Communications
|June 14, 2019
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffold architecture significantly influences human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior and differentiation. Highly curved scaffolds promote osteogenic differentiation, crucial for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Stem Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are critical for tissue regeneration.
- Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are essential for guiding cell behavior in regenerative medicine.
- Scaffold architecture plays a key role in modulating stem cell fate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 3D printed scaffold architecture on hMSC attachment, morphology, and osteogenic differentiation.
- To compare the effects of square (SQR), hexagonal (HEX), and octagonal (OCT) scaffold designs with varying curvature.
- To assess the potential of tailored scaffold designs for bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D scaffolds using a pressure-assisted microsyringe system from poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(tyrosol carbonate).
- Culturing hMSCs on scaffolds with SQR, HEX, and OCT architectures.
- Analyzing hMSC morphology, including aspect ratio and cell area.
- Quantifying osteogenic differentiation via lineage commitment percentages and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- hMSCs exhibited higher aspect ratios and mean cell area on OCT scaffolds compared to HEX and SQR scaffolds.
- Cells on SQR scaffolds appeared bulkier with lower aspect ratios.
- 80% of hMSCs on OCT scaffolds differentiated into osteogenic lineage, versus 70% on HEX and 62% on SQR.
- Alkaline phosphatase activity was 2.5 times higher on OCT scaffolds than on SQR scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Scaffold architecture, specifically curvature, is a critical factor in directing hMSC differentiation towards osteogenesis.
- Highly curved OCT scaffolds promote favorable hMSC morphology and enhance osteogenic differentiation.
- This research provides insights for designing advanced 3D scaffolds for effective bone regeneration.
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