Studies of surface grafted collagen and transforming growth factor β1 combined with cyclic stretching as a dual chemical and physical stimuli approach for rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) chondrogenesis differentiation

The adipose-derived stem cell has been used in various regenerative medicine research due to its multiple differentiation capabilities. Developing a stable and quick approach for the differentiation of stem cells is a critical issue in tissue regenerative field. In this investigation, rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) were seeded onto the type I collagen/transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) immobilized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and then combined with short term dynamic stretching stimulation (intermittent or continuous stretching for 6 h) to induce the rADSCs chondrogenesis differentiation using the induction medium without growth factors added in vitro. Via regulating the extracellular chemical- and mechano-receptors of the cultured rADSCs, the chondrogenic differentiation was examined. After 72 h of static culture, proteoglycan secretion was noted on the surfaces modified by collagen with or without TGF-β1. After different stretching stimulations, significant proteoglycan secretion was noted on the surface modified by both collagen and collagen/TGF-β1, especially after the intermittent stretching culturing. Nonetheless, genetic expression of the chondrogenic markers: SOX-9, Col2a1, and aggrecan, instead, were dependent upon the surface grafted layer and the stretching mode utilized. These findings suggested that the surface chemical characteristics and external mechanical stimulation could synergistically affect the efficacy of chondrogenic differentiation of rADSCs.

Micro- and nanotopography with extracellular matrix coating modulate human corneal endothelial cell behavior

The human corneal endothelium plays an important role in maintaining corneal transparency. Human corneal endothelial cells have limited regenerative capability in vivo. Consequently, endothelial dysfunction can occur following corneal endothelial trauma or inherited diseases. To restore endothelial function, corneal transplantation is needed. However, there is a worldwide shortage of donor corneas, motivating the development of a tissue-engineered graft alternative using cultivated endothelial cells. To induce in vitro cell proliferation, much effort has been made to improve culture conditions and to mimic the native extracellular microenvironment. We incorporated topographical and biochemical cues in our in vitro culture of human corneal endothelial cell line B4G12 (HCEC-B4G12) and hypothesized that manipulation of the extracellular environment can modulate cell proliferation, morphometry and phenotype. The topographies tested were nanopillars, microwells and micropillars on polydimethylsiloxane, while the biochemical factors were extracellular matrix protein coatings of fibronectin-collagen I (FC), FNC® coating mix (FNC) and laminin-chondroitin sulfate (LC). Cellular morphometry, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) gene and protein expression were analyzed 3days after cells had formed a confluent monolayer. The cell circularity on all patterns and coatings was above 0.78. On all coatings, cell area was the lowest on micropillars. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the cell area was the lowest on nanopillars with an LC coating. With an FC coating, micropillars induced a better cellular outcome as the cells had the greatest circularity, smallest cell area and highest Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and ZO-1 gene and protein expression. With the LC coating, HCECs grown on nanopillars resulted in the lowest CV of the cell area and the highest ZO-1 gene expression. Thus, HCEC-B4G12 morphometry and phenotype can be improved using different topographical and biochemical cues.

Preparation of three-dimensional macroporous chitosan-gelatin B microspheres and HepG2-cell culture

Chitosan-gelatin B microspheres with an open, interconnected, highly macroporous (100-200 µm) structure were prepared via a three-step protocol combining freeze-drying with an electrostatic and ionic cross-linking method. Saturated tripolyphosphate ethanol solution (85% ethanol) was chosen as the crosslinking agent to prevent destruction of the porous structure and to improve the biostability of the chitosan-gelatin B microspheres, with N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethyl-carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide as a second crosslinking agent to react with gelatin A and fixed chitosan-gelatin B microspheres to attain improved biocompatibility. Water absorption of the three-dimensional macroporous chitosan-gelatin B microspheres (3D-P-CGMs) was 12.84, with a porosity of 85.45%. In vitro lysozyme degradation after 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days showed improved biodegradation in the 3D-P-CGMs. The morphology of human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 cells) cultured on the 3D-P-CGMs was spherical, unlike that of cells cultured under traditional two-dimensional conditions. Scanning electron microscopy and paraffin sections were used to confirm the porous structure of the 3D-P-CGMs. HepG2 cells were able to migrate inside through the pore. Cell proliferation and levels of albumin and lactate dehydrogenase suggested that the 3D-P-CGMs could provide a larger specific surface area and an appropriate microenvironment for cell growth and survival. Hence, the 3D-P-CGMs are eminently suitable as macroporous scaffolds for cell cultures in tissue engineering and cell carrier studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.