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Updated: Oct 6, 2025
Patterning the Geometry of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Colonies on Compliant Substrates to Control Tissue-Level Mechanics
Published on: September 28, 2019
Formation of Stem Cell Aggregates and Their Differentiation on Surface-Patterned Hydrogels Based on
Hasani G Jayasinghe1, Sundararajan V Madihally2, Yolanda Vasquez1
1Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, 107 Physical Sciences I, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States.
Abstract:
Micropillar patterns were fabricated and used to study cell adhesion, morphology, and function. Micropillars were produced in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)/N,N-(dimethylaminoethyl)methacrylate (DMAEMA)/tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)) hydrogels using soft lithography, had dimensions of 1 μm diameter, and were either 2.05 or 4.91 μm tall. The patterned hydrogel substrates increased adhesion and induced the formation of cellular aggregates. Digital micrographs were used to quantify aggregate size and number. Differentiation of hMSCs toward adipocytes and chondrocytes was performed using the respective complete culture and differentiation medium for 2 weeks. Cells were stained for Oil red O, Alcian blue, and Type II collagen. Hydrogel substrates supported the differentiation of hMSCs to adipocytes and chondrocytes. The taller micropillar patterns supported the attachment and growth of larger aggregates and were more amenable to aid chondrogenic differentiation.
