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A cost-effective and enhanced mesenchymal stem cell expansion platform with internal plasma-activated biofunctional
Anyu Zhang1,2,3, Johnny Kuan Un Wong4,5,3, Katazhyna Redzikultsava1,2
1School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Materials Today. Bio
|August 2, 2023
Summary
A novel packed bed plasma immersion ion implantation (PBPI3) technology uniformly activates 3D scaffolds for enhanced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) expansion. This method preserves MSC function and reduces costly growth factor use in regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) require in vitro expansion to reach therapeutic numbers.
- Conventional 2D culture methods are inefficient, costly, and can lead to MSC phenotypic and functional decline.
- 3D porous scaffolds offer high surface area but face challenges in uniform surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for uniform surface activation of 3D porous scaffolds for enhanced MSC expansion.
- To investigate the efficacy of a packed bed plasma immersion ion implantation (PBPI3) technology for scaffold modification.
- To evaluate the impact of PBPI3-treated scaffolds on MSC expansion, phenotype, and multipotency.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of packed bed plasma immersion ion implantation (PBPI3) for homogeneous surface activation of 3D printed porous scaffolds.
- Utilisation of COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to understand plasma ignition dynamics within scaffolds.
- Biofunctionalisation of PBPI3-treated scaffolds with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) for MSC culture.
Main Results:
- PBPI3 technology achieved homogeneous surface activation within micrometre-sized pores of 3D scaffolds.
- The treatment created radical-containing chemical structures enabling covalent biomolecule attachment.
- PBPI3-treated scaffolds functionalised with FGF2 significantly enhanced MSC expansion while preserving cell phenotype and multipotency.
- Reduced reliance on expensive growth factor supplements was observed.
Conclusions:
- PBPI3 is a breakthrough technology for uniform surface modification of 3D porous scaffolds.
- This method provides a biomimetic interface that promotes MSC expansion and preserves their therapeutic potential.
- The technology holds promise for advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
