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Surface-Biofunctionalized Dual-Purpose Scaffolds that Minimize Growth Factor Dependency for Stem Cell Expansion and
Johnny Kuan Un Wong1,2,3, Jiayan Shao4, Anyu Zhang3,4,5,6
1Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 23, 2025
Summary
This study developed a novel 3D scaffold for mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). The biofunctional scaffold improves cell expansion efficiency and post-transplant survival, addressing key challenges in cell therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) show therapeutic promise but face limitations due to low abundance and high dose requirements.
- Current cell expansion methods are inefficient and costly, relying on soluble growth factors.
- Poor survival and retention of transplanted MSCs hinder therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D scaffold for enhanced MSC expansion and delivery.
- To create a biofunctional scaffold enabling efficient and cost-effective MSC therapies.
- To improve the stability and bioavailability of growth factors within the scaffold architecture.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a macroporous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold activated with surface-embedded radicals.
- One-step covalent immobilization of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) throughout the scaffold's internal architecture.
- Evaluation of MSC expansion efficiency, FGF2 usage reduction, and MSC survival/retention post-implantation.
Main Results:
- The biofunctional scaffold achieved labor-efficient, spatially uniform MSC expansion.
- A 99% reduction in FGF2 usage was observed compared to conventional culture methods.
- The scaffold enhanced MSC survival and retention after implantation, improving delivery vehicle function.
Conclusions:
- The developed dual-purpose scaffold offers a promising strategy for improving MSC expansion and delivery.
- This approach significantly reduces growth factor consumption and enhances cell therapy feasibility.
- The material design provides a blueprint for cost-effective biofunctionalization of porous biomaterials for cell therapies.
