Effects of a surface topography composite with puerariae radix on human STRO-1-positive stem cells

Recycled algae-based carbon materials as electroconductive 3D printed skeletal muscle tissue engineering scaffolds

Skeletal muscle is an electrically and mechanically active tissue that contains highly oriented, densely packed myofibrils. The tissue has self-regeneration capacity upon injury, which is limited in the cases of volumetric muscle loss. Several regenerative therapies have been developed in order to enhance this capacity, as well as to structurally and mechanically support the defect site during regeneration. Among them, biomimetic approaches that recapitulate the native microenvironment of the tissue in terms of parallel-aligned structure and biophysical signals were shown to be effective. In this study, we have developed 3D printed aligned and electrically active scaffolds in which the electrical conductivity was provided by carbonaceous material (CM) derived from algae-based biomass. The synthesis of this conductive and functional CM consisted of eco-friendly synthesis procedure such as pre-carbonization and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) catalysis. CM obtained from biomass via hydrothermal carbonization (CM-03) and its ash form (CM-03K) were doped within poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix and 3D printed to form scaffolds with aligned fibers for structural biomimicry. Scaffolds were seeded with C2C12 mouse myoblasts and subjected to electrical stimulation during the in vitro culture. Enhanced myotube formation was observed in electroactive groups compared to their non-conductive counterparts and it was observed that myotube formation and myotube maturity were significantly increased for CM-03 group after electrical stimulation. The results have therefore showed that the CM obtained from macroalgae biomass is a promising novel source for the production of the electrically conductive scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.

Surface modification of small intestine submucosa in tissue engineering

With the development of tissue engineering, the required biomaterials need to have the ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Especially, surface modification of the scaffold material has a great influence on biocompatibility and functionality of materials. The small intestine submucosa (SIS) is an extracellular matrix isolated from the submucosal layer of porcine jejunum, which has good tissue mechanical properties and regenerative activity, and is suitable for cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. In recent years, SIS is widely used in different areas of tissue reconstruction, such as blood vessels, bone, cartilage, bladder and ureter, etc. This paper discusses the main methods for surface modification of SIS to improve and optimize the performance of SIS bioscaffolds, including functional group bonding, protein adsorption, mineral coating, topography and formatting modification and drug combination. In addition, the reasonable combination of these methods also offers great improvement on SIS surface modification. This article makes a shallow review of the surface modification of SIS and its application in tissue engineering.

Tuning the biomimetic behavior of scaffolds for regenerative medicine through surface modifications

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine rely extensively on biomaterial scaffolds to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation physically and chemically in vitro and in vivo. Changes to the surface characteristics of the scaffolds have the greatest impact on cell response. Here, we discuss five dominant surface modification approaches used to biomimetically improve the most common scaffolds for tissue engineering, those based on aliphatic polyesters. Scaffolds of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(l-lactic acid), poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid), and poly(ε-caprolactone) are often used in tissue engineering because they provide desirable, tunable properties such as ease of manufacturing, good mechanical properties, and nontoxic degradation products. However, cell-surface interactions necessary for tissue engineering are limited on these materials by their smooth postfabrication surfaces, hydrophobicity, and lack of recognizable biochemical binding sites. The surface modification techniques that have been developed for synthetic polymer scaffolds reduce initial barriers to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Topographical modification, protein adsorption, mineral coating, functional group incorporation, and biomacromolecule immobilization each contribute through varying mechanisms to improving cell interactions with aliphatic polyester scaffolds. Furthermore, rational combination of methods from these categories can provide nuanced, specific environments for targeted tissue development.

Oral Bone Tissue Engineering: Advanced Biomaterials for Cell Adhesion, Proliferation and Differentiation

The advancements made in biomaterials have an important impact on oral tissue engineering, especially on the bone regeneration process. Currently known as the gold standard in bone regeneration, grafting procedures can sometimes be successfully replaced by a biomaterial scaffold with proper characteristics. Whether natural or synthetic polymers, biomaterials can serve as potential scaffolds with major influences on cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Continuous research has enabled the development of scaffolds that can be specifically designed to replace the targeted tissue through changes in their surface characteristics and the addition of growth factors and biomolecules. The progress in tissue engineering is incontestable and research shows promising contributions to the further development of this field. The present review aims to outline the progress in oral tissue engineering, the advantages of biomaterial scaffolds, their direct implication in the osteogenic process and future research directions.

Laser Surface Microstructuring of a Bio-Resorbable Polymer to Anchor Stem Cells, Control Adipocyte Morphology, and Promote Osteogenesis

New strategies in regenerative medicine include the implantation of stem cells cultured in bio-resorbable polymeric scaffolds to restore the tissue function and be absorbed by the body after wound healing. This requires the development of appropriate micro-technologies for manufacturing of functional scaffolds with controlled surface properties to induce a specific cell behavior. The present report focuses on the effect of substrate topography on the behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) before and after co-differentiation into adipocytes and osteoblasts. Picosecond laser micromachining technology (PLM) was applied on poly (L-lactide) (PLLA), to generate different microstructures (microgrooves and microcavities) for investigating cell shape, orientation, and MSCs co-differentiation. Under certain surface topographical conditions, MSCs modify their shape to anchor at specific groove locations. Upon MSCs differentiation, adipocytes respond to changes in substrate height and depth by adapting the intracellular distribution of their lipid vacuoles to the imposed physical constraints. In addition, topography alone seems to produce a modest, but significant, increase of stem cell differentiation to osteoblasts. These findings show that PLM can be applied as a high-efficient technology to directly and precisely manufacture 3D microstructures that guide cell shape, control adipocyte morphology, and induce osteogenesis without the need of specific biochemical functionalization.

The fabrication of biomineralized fiber-aligned PLGA scaffolds and their effect on enhancing osteogenic differentiation of UCMSC cells

The key factor of scaffold design for bone tissue engineering is to mimic the microenvironment of natural bone extracellular matrix (ECM) and guide cell osteogenic differentiation. The biomineralized fiber-aligned PLGA scaffolds (a-PLGA/CaPs) was developed in this study by mimicking the structure and composition of native bone ECM. The aligned PLGA fibers was prepared by wet spinning and then biomineralized via an alternate immersion method. Introduction of a bioceramic component CaP onto the PLGA fibers led to changes in surface roughness and hydrophilicity, which showed to modulate cell adhesion and cell morphology of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs). It was found that organized actin filaments of UCMSCs cultured on both a-PLGA and a-PLGA/CaP scaffolds appeared to follow contact guidance along the aligned fibers, and those cells grown on a-PLGA/CaP scaffolds exhibited a more polarized cellular morphology. The a-PLGA/CaP scaffold with multicycles of mineralization facilitated the cell attachment on the fiber surfaces and then supported better cell adhesion and contact guidance, leading to enhancement in following proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of UCMSCs. Our results give some insights into the regulation of cell behaviors through design of ECM-mimicking structure and composition and provide an alternative wet-spun fiber-aligned scaffold with HA-mineralized layer for bone tissue engineering application.

Effects of Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) on Bone Differentiation in Stromal Precursor Antigen-1 Positive Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss and bone destruction in adults worldwide. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) may represent promising new therapeutic biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Stromal precursor antigen-1 (STRO-1) has been shown to have roles in adherence, proliferation, and multipotency. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to enhance proliferation in osteoblasts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the functions of STRO-1(+) and STRO-1(-) hPDLSCs and to investigate the effects of PTH on the osteogenic capacity of STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs in order to evaluate their potential applications in the treatment of periodontitis. Our data showed that STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs expressed higher levels of the PTH-1 receptor (PTH1R) than STRO-1(-) hPDLSCs. In addition, intermittent PTH treatment enhanced the expression of PTH1R and osteogenesis-related genes in STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs. PTH-treated cells also exhibited increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization ability. Therefore, STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs represented a more promising cell resource for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. Intermittent PTH treatment improved the capacity for STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs to repair damaged tissue and ameliorate the symptoms of periodontitis.

Polymeric scaffolds in tissue engineering: a literature review

The tissue engineering scaffold acts as an extracellular matrix that interacts to the cells prior to forming new tissues. The chemical and structural characteristics of scaffolds are major concerns in fabricating of ideal three-dimensional structure for tissue engineering applications. The polymer scaffolds used for tissue engineering should possess proper architecture and mechanical properties in addition to supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Much research has been done on the topic of polymeric scaffold properties such as surface topographic features (roughness and hydrophilicity) and scaffold microstructures (pore size, porosity, pore interconnectivity, and pore and fiber architectures) that influence the cell-scaffold interactions. In this review, efforts were given to evaluate the effect of both chemical and structural characteristics of scaffolds on cell behaviors such as adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. This review would provide the fundamental information which would be beneficial for scaffold design in future. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 431-459, 2017.

Dynamically tunable polymer microwells for directing mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteogenesis

Dynamically tunable geometric microwells have great capacity to regulate the cytoskeletal structure and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells along adipogenesis and osteogenesis pathways.

The control of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation using dynamically tunable surface microgrooves

Many studies have demonstrated the potential to modulate stem cell differentiation by using static material substrate surfaces. However, cells actually grow in a dynamically diverse microenvironment in vivo. The regulated signals to the differentiation provided by these materials should not be passive or static but be active and dynamic. To mimic the endogenous cell culture microenvironment, a novel system is designed to realize the dynamic change of the surface geometries as well as a resultant mechanical force using a thermally activated four-stage shape memory polymer. The parallel microgroove surface patterns are fabricated via thermal embossing lithography on the polymer substrate surface. The dynamic microgroove surfaces accompanying with the mechanical force can effectively and significantly regulate the shape and the cytoskeletal arrangement of rBMSC compared with the static patterned and non-patterned surfaces. Cellular and molecular analyses reveal that the spatiotemporally programmed regulation of cell shape is more viable to coax lineage-specific differentiation of stem cell in contrast to the general reports with the static surfaces. Therefore, this study provides a facile strategy in designing and manufacturing an artificial substrate with a mimic natural cellular environment to precisely direct the cell differentiation.

Developments in stem cells: implications for future joint replacements

Will stem cell research reverse the projected sevenfold increase in primary and revision knee replacements expected in the United States between 2005 and 2030? A focus on prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis may end the need for primary joint replacements. A more likely scenario can be described as slow and incremental changes in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, accompanied by the continuing development of implant technology. Since the discovery of stem cells in the 1950s, research has increased exponentially. Expanded autologous chondrocytes, and more recently ex vivo expanded skeletal stem cells, are currently injected into osteochondral defects in the hope of regenerating cartilage and halting progression towards osteoarthritis. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells are being injected into human joints as a treatment for osteoarthritis despite a lack of quantitative research. Concurrently, stem cell research continues to contribute to chemical and topographical advancements in implant design. Advances in co-culture techniques mean it is possible that biologic articular replacements will develop prior to the cessation of the need for arthroplasty and radically change the nature of joint replacements. Whether it is through implant design or a potential cure for the pain attributable to osteoarthritis, as we hope to show in this 'forward look article', it is our opinion that stem cells will certainly impact future joint replacement.

A synthetic, xeno-free peptide surface for expansion and directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to become an unlimited cell source for cell replacement therapy. The realization of this potential, however, depends on the availability of culture methods that are robust, scalable, and use chemically defined materials. Despite significant advances in hiPSC technologies, the expansion of hiPSCs relies upon the use of animal-derived extracellular matrix extracts, such as Matrigel, which raises safety concerns over the use of these products. In this work, we investigated the feasibility of expanding and differentiating hiPSCs on a chemically defined, xeno-free synthetic peptide substrate, i.e. Corning Synthemax(®) Surface. We demonstrated that the Synthemax Surface supports the attachment, spreading, and proliferation of hiPSCs, as well as hiPSCs' lineage-specific differentiation. hiPSCs colonies grown on Synthemax Surfaces exhibit less spread and more compact morphology compared to cells grown on Matrigel™. The cytoskeleton characterization of hiPSCs grown on the Synthemax Surface revealed formation of denser actin filaments in the cell-cell interface. The down-regulation of vinculin and up-regulation of zyxin expression were also observed in hiPSCs grown on the Synthemax Surface. Further examination of cell-ECM interaction revealed that hiPSCs grown on the Synthemax Surface primarily utilize α(v)β(5) integrins to mediate attachment to the substrate, whereas multiple integrins are involved in cell attachment to Matrigel. Finally, hiPSCs can be maintained undifferentiated on the Synthemax Surface for more than ten passages. These studies provide a novel approach for expansion of hiPSCs using synthetic peptide engineered surface as a substrate to avoid a potential risk of contamination and lot-to-lot variability with animal derived materials.

Porous membrane substrates offer better niches to enhance the Wnt signaling and promote human embryonic stem cell growth and differentiation

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) require specific niches for adhesion, expansion, and lineage-specific differentiation. In this study, we showed that a membrane substrate offers better tissue niches for hESC attachment, spreading, proliferation, and differentiation. The cell doubling time was shortened from 46.3±5.7 h for hESCs grown on solid substrates to 25.6±2.6 h for those on polyester (PE) membrane substrates with pore size of 0.4 μm. In addition, we observed an increase of approximately five- to ninefold of definitive endoderm marker gene expression in hESCs differentiated on PE or polyethylene terephthalate membrane substrates. Global gene expression analysis revealed upregulated expressions of a number of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules in hESCs grown on membrane substrates. Further, an enhanced nuclear translocation of β-catenin was detected in these cells. These observations suggested the augmentation of Wnt signaling in hESCs grown on membrane substrates. These results also demonstrated that a membrane substrate can offer better physicochemical cues for enhancing in vitro hESC attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.

Osteoblast response to puerarin-loaded porous titanium surfaces: an in vitro study

Recent studies demonstrate puerarin stimulates bone formation, suggesting its potential application in dental implantology field. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of puerarin-loaded titanium surfaces on the promotion of osteogenesis in preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). Puerarin was prepared onto titanium surfaces with varying concentration (10(-9) M, 10(-8) M, 10(-7) M, and 10(-6) M) by biomimetic calcium phosphate deposition process. Surface characteristics were performed by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Puerarin concentration in the coatings was performed by High-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) analyses. FSEM observation showed puerarin concentration influenced formation of sharp flakes in the coating. The size of flakes decreased with increase of puerarin concentrations. XRD and FTIR examinations demonstrated the puerarin concentration did not affect the chemical compositions of coatings, which composed of octacalcium phosphate (OCP). Puerarin concentration on the surfaces of 10(-8) M group was 10.22 ± 0.32 ng/cm(2) . Puerarin had an increased effect on MC3T3-E1 ALP activities. Significant differences were found in 10(-8) and 10(-7) M groups on day 4, 10(-8) , 10(-7) , and 10(-6) M groups on day 7, and 10(-8) on day 14. In Type I collagen synthesis assay, 10(-9) and 10(-8) M on day 7, 10(-8) on day 14 showed significant differences compared with control group. Furthermore, this stimulatory effect of puerarin was also observed in osteocalcin release assay (p < 0.05, at 10(-8) M and 10(-7) M, maximal at 10(-8) M). These results indicate puerarin-loaded titanium surfaces promote accelerated osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts, which has the potential to improve the nature of osseointegration.

Protein Expression of STRO-1 Cells in Response to Different Topographic Features

Human skeletal stem cells (STRO-1 positive) display distinct responses to different topographical features. On a flat surface, skeletal cells spread, and in vitro, they typically display a polarized, fibroblast-like morphology. However, on microgrooved surfaces, these cells prefer to stretch along the grooves forming a similar morphology to in vivo, bipolarized fibroblasts. In contrast, on nanopits, these cells display a polygonal and osteoblastic phenotype. We have examined mechanotransduction events of STRO-1 positive in response to fibroblastic, microgrooved and osteogenic, controlled disorder nanopit, topographies using proteomics after 3 days in culture. Protein expression profiles were analyzed by difference gel electrophoresis to identify proteins that showed modulation of expression in response to different topographic features to assess early decision events in these cells on these discrete topographies. After only 72 hours in culture, STRO-1 positive displayed differential regulations of families of proteins involved in cell migration and proliferation. The current study indicated that osteogenic decision specific events had already occurred. Runx2 was localized in nuclei of the skeletal stem cells on the osteogenic nanopits; however, few signaling pathway changes were observed. This study demonstrated that micro- and nanotopographies activated skeletal stem cells at different times and with distinct mechanotransduction profiles.

Stem cell-biomaterial interactions for regenerative medicine

The synergism of stem cell biology and biomaterial technology promises to have a profound impact on stem-cell-based clinical applications for tissue regeneration. Biomaterials development is rapidly advancing to display properties that, in a precise and physiological fashion, could drive stem-cell fate both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the design of novel materials is trying to recapitulate the molecular events involved in the production, clearance and interaction of molecules within tissue in pathologic conditions and regeneration of tissue/organs. In this review we will report on the challenges behind translating stem cell biology and biomaterial innovations into novel clinical therapeutic applications for tissue and organ replacements (graphical abstract).