Functionalized Electrospun Scaffold-Human-Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Construct Promotes In Vivo Neocartilage Formation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable biomaterial suitable for cartilage tissue engineering but lacks hydrophilicity and functional groups.
• Improving PCL scaffold properties is crucial for enhanced cell adherence and cartilage regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance electrospun PCL scaffolds for improved cell adherence and cartilage regeneration.
• To functionalize PCL scaffolds with ozone and transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3).

Main Methods:

• Human-muscle-derived stem cells (hMDSCs) were isolated and seeded onto ozonated (O) and non-ozonated (NO) PCL scaffolds with or without TGF-β3.
• In vitro studies assessed cell proliferation and collagen type II (Coll2) expression.
• In vivo animal experiments evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) formation and extracellular matrix deposition.

Main Results:

• Ozonated scaffolds showed improved hMDSC proliferation compared to non-ozonated scaffolds.
• Slightly higher Coll2 expression was observed on ozonated scaffolds.
• In vivo studies demonstrated more pronounced GAG formation in ozonated, TGF-β3-loaded scaffolds with hMDSCs.

Conclusions:

• Ozone treatment and TGF-β3 loading significantly improve PCL scaffold performance for cartilage regeneration.
• Ozonated, TGF-β3-loaded PCL scaffolds with hMDSCs show promise for neocartilage formation.
• This approach offers a potential strategy for repairing cartilage defects.