Cell penetration and chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells on 3D scaffold

Recent Achievements in the Development of Biomaterials Improved with Platelet Concentrates for Soft and Hard Tissue Engineering Applications

Platelet concentrates such as platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin or concentrated growth factors are cost-effective autologous preparations containing various growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor β, insulin-like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. For this reason, they are often used in regenerative medicine to treat wounds, nerve damage as well as cartilage and bone defects. Unfortunately, after administration, these preparations release growth factors very quickly, which lose their activity rapidly. As a consequence, this results in the need to repeat the therapy, which is associated with additional pain and discomfort for the patient. Recent research shows that combining platelet concentrates with biomaterials overcomes this problem because growth factors are released in a more sustainable manner. Moreover, this concept fits into the latest trends in tissue engineering, which include biomaterials, bioactive factors and cells. Therefore, this review presents the latest literature reports on the properties of biomaterials enriched with platelet concentrates for applications in skin, nerve, cartilage and bone tissue engineering.

Cartilage 3D bioprinting for rhinoplasty using adipose-derived stem cells as seed cells: Review and recent advances

Nasal deformities due to various causes affect the aesthetics and use of the nose, in which case rhinoplasty is necessary. However, the lack of cartilage for grafting has been a major problem and tissue engineering seems to be a promising solution. 3D bioprinting has become one of the most advanced tissue engineering methods. To construct ideal cartilage, bio-ink, seed cells, growth factors and other methods to promote chondrogenesis should be considered and weighed carefully. With continuous progress in the field, bio-ink choices are becoming increasingly abundant, from a single hydrogel to a combination of hydrogels with various characteristics, and more 3D bioprinting methods are also emerging. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have become one of the most popular seed cells in cartilage 3D bioprinting, owing to their abundance, excellent proliferative potential, minimal morbidity during harvest and lack of ethical considerations limitations. In addition, the co-culture of ADSCs and chondrocytes is commonly used to achieve better chondrogenesis. To promote chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs and construct ideal highly bionic tissue-engineered cartilage, researchers have used a variety of methods, including adding appropriate growth factors, applying biomechanical stimuli and reducing oxygen tension. According to the process and sequence of cartilage 3D bioprinting, this review summarizes and discusses the selection of hydrogel and seed cells (centered on ADSCs), the design of printing, and methods for inducing the chondrogenesis of ADSCs.

The combinatory effect of scaffold topography and culture condition: an approach to nucleus pulposus tissue engineering

Scaffold topography and culture medium conditions for human wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC) are critical components of the approach to nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue engineering.

Aim

To evaluate the silk fibroin (SF) scaffold topography analysis (optimal thickness and pore diameter) and to determine culture medium conditions for the growth and differentiation of hWJ-MSC.

Method

hWJ-MSCs were seeded into different thicknesses and pore size diameters and grown in different concentrations of glucose, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and oxygen. The cell-seeded scaffold was evaluated for cell attachment, growth and differentiation potency.

Results & discussion

The results indicated that SF scaffold with a minimum thickness 3.5 mm and pore diameter of 500 μm with cells cultured under low glucose, 10% PRP and normoxia conditions induced the growth and differentiation of hWJ-MSCs, indicated by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans content and the presence of type II collagen, as markers of NP-like cells.