Application of Raman Spectroscopic Imaging to Assess the Structural Changes at Cell-Scaffold Interface

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Developing effective bone tissue engineering products (TEP) requires reliable methods for evaluating material performance and tissue-implant interactions.
• Assessing bone formation processes necessitates advanced techniques for molecular and spatial analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a three-compound ceramic composite biomaterial (chitosan, β-1,3-d-glucan (curdlan), and hydroxyapatite (HA)) for bone tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the composite using Raman spectroscopic imaging.
• To investigate the interaction between the composite and stem cells during bone formation.

Main Methods:

• Raman spectroscopic imaging and mapping were employed to analyze the composite biomaterial.
• Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs) were cultured on the composite.
• Microscopic analysis of molecular differences and spatial distribution of compounds was performed.

Main Results:

• Raman imaging provided detailed molecular and spatial information on the composite and cell interactions.
• Biocompatibility and bioactivity of the composite were confirmed in vitro.
• Evidence of new bone tissue formation, including hydroxyapatite deposition, crystallinity changes, and extracellular matrix production, was observed in cell-seeded samples.

Conclusions:

• Raman spectroscopic imaging is a valuable tool for evaluating composite biomaterials in tissue engineering.
• The chitosan-curdlan-hydroxyapatite composite demonstrates potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
• The study confirmed the composite's ability to support mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and biomineralization.