Influence of stepwise chondrogenesis-mimicking 3D extracellular matrix on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Synovial fluid mesenchymal stem cell-derived microRNA-127-5p can modulate transforming growth factor-β signaling after in vitro chondrogenic induction

MicroRNA profiling in human cartilage is necessary for chondrogenesis. The study aimed to compare microRNA 127-5p (miR-127-5p) and TGF-β signaling pathway gene expressions of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAT-MSCs) and synovial fluid-derived stem cells (hSF-MSCs) after induced chondrogenesis. MSCs induced into chondrogenic differentiation. Alcian Blue and Safranin O staining were performed to determine chondrogenic differentiation. The RT-qPCR determined the expression levels of miR-127-5p and TGF-β signaling pathway genes. miR-127-5p expression was significantly higher in chondrogenic differentiated hSF-MSCs (dhSF-MSCs) (p < 0.05). TGF-β, SMAD2, and SMAD3 expressions were substantially higher in dhSF-MSCs (all p < 0.001), while SMAD4, and ACAN expressions were downregulated (all p < 0.001). No difference was detected between COL1A2 expression levels. This study suggests that miR-127-5p derived from hSF-MSCs may regulate chondrogenesis, thereby inducing the TGF-β pathway activation, and also presents, for the first time, a comparative analysis of the expression of miR-127-5p and the TGF-β signaling pathway genes of hSF-MSCs and hAT-MSCs concerning differences in chondrogenic potential.

Graphical abstract

3D culture of bovine articular chondrocytes in viscous medium encapsulated in agarose hydrogels for investigation of viscosity influence on cell functions

The mechanical properties of an extracellular microenvironment can affect cell functions. The effects of elasticity and viscoelasticity on cell functions have been extensively studied with hydrogels of tunable mechanical properties. However, investigation of the viscosity effect on cell functions is still very limited and it can be tricky to explore how viscosity affects cells in three-dimensional (3D) culture due to the lack of appropriate tools. In this study, agarose hydrogel containers were prepared and used to encapsulate viscous media for 3D cell culture to investigate the viscosity effect on the functions of bovine articular chondrocytes (BACs). Polyethylene glycol of different molecular weights was used to adjust culture medium viscosity in a large range (72.8-679.2 mPa s). The viscosity affected gene expression and secretion of cartilagenious matrices, while it did not affect BAC proliferation. The BACs cultured in the lower viscosity medium (72.8 mPa s) showed a higher level of cartilaginous gene expression and matrix secretion.

Comparison of decellularization protocols for cultured cell-derived extracellular matrix-Effects on decellularization efficacy, extracellular matrix retention, and cell functions

The in vitro reconstruction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is required in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because the ECM can regulate cell functions in vivo. For ECM reconstruction, a decellularization technique is used. ECM reconstructed by decellularization (dECM) is prepared from tissues/organs and cultured cells. Although decellularization methods have been optimized for tissue-/organ-derived dECM, the methods for cultured cell-derived dECM have not yet been optimized. Here, two physical (osmotic shocks) and five chemical decellularization methods are compared. The decellularization efficacies were changed according to the decellularization methods used. Among them, only the Triton X-100 and Tween 20 treatments could not decellularize completely. Additionally, when the efficacies were compared among different types of cells (monolayered cells with/without strong cell adhesion, multilayered cells), the efficacies were decreased for multilayered cells or cells with strong cell adhesion. Retained ECM contents tended to be greater in the dECM prepared by osmotic shocks than in those prepared by chemical methods. The contents impacted cell adhesion, shapes, growth and intracellular signal activation on the dECM. The comparison would be helpful for the optimization of decellularization methods for cultured cells, and it could also provide new insights into developing milder decellularization methods for tissues and organs.

Chondro-Inductive b-TPUe-Based Functionalized Scaffolds for Application in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Osteoarthritis is a disease with a great socioeconomic impact and mainly affects articular cartilage, a tissue with reduced self-healing capacity. In this work, 3D printed 1,4 butanediol thermoplastic polyurethane (b-TPUe) scaffolds are functionalized and infrapatellar mesenchymal stem cells are used as the cellular source. Since b-TPUe is a biomaterial with mechanical properties similar to cartilage, but it does not provide the desired environment for cell adhesion, scaffolds are functionalized with two methods, one based on collagen type I and the other in 1-pyrenebutiric acid (PBA) as principal components. Alamar Blue and confocal assays display that PBA functionalized scaffolds support higher cell adhesion and proliferation for the first 21 days. However, collagen type I functionalization induces higher proliferation rates and similar cell viability than the PBA method. Further, both functionalization methods induce extracellular matrix synthesis, and the presence of chondrogenic markers (Sox9, Col2a, and Acan). Finally, SEM images probe that functionalized 3D printed scaffolds present much better cell/biomaterial interactions than controls and confirm early chondrogenesis. These results indicate that the two methods of functionalization in the highly hydrophobic b-TPUe enhance the cell-biomaterial interactions and the improvement in the chondro-inductive properties, which have great potential for application in cartilage tissue engineering.

Morphological Dependence of Breast Cancer Cell Responses to Doxorubicin on Micropatterned Surfaces

Cell morphology has been widely investigated for its influence on the functions of normal cells. However, the influence of cell morphology on cancer cell resistance to anti-cancer drugs remains unclear. In this study, micropatterned surfaces were prepared and used to control the spreading area and elongation of human breast cancer cell line. The influences of cell adhesion area and elongation on resistance to doxorubicin were investigated. The percentage of apoptotic breast cancer cells decreased with cell spreading area, while did not change with cell elongation. Large breast cancer cells had higher resistance to doxorubicin, better assembled actin filaments, higher DNA synthesis activity and higher expression of P-glycoprotein than small breast cancer cells. The results suggested that the morphology of breast cancer cells could affect their resistance to doxorubicin. The influence was correlated with cytoskeletal organization, DNA synthesis activity and P-glycoprotein expression.

Stepwise Proliferation and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Collagen Sponges under Different Microenvironments

Biomimetic microenvironments are important for controlling stem cell functions. In this study, different microenvironmental conditions were investigated for the stepwise control of proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The hMSCs were first cultured in collagen porous sponges and then embedded with or without collagen hydrogels for continual culture under different culture conditions. The different influences of collagen sponges, collagen hydrogels, and induction factors were investigated. The collagen sponges were beneficial for cell proliferation. The collagen sponges also promoted chondrogenic differentiation during culture in chondrogenic medium, which was superior to the effect of collagen sponges embedded with hydrogels without loading of induction factors. However, collagen sponges embedded with collagen hydrogels and loaded with induction factors had the same level of promotive effect on chondrogenic differentiation as collagen sponges during in vitro culture in chondrogenic medium and showed the highest promotive effect during in vivo subcutaneous implantation. The combination of collagen sponges with collagen hydrogels and induction factors could provide a platform for cell proliferation at an early stage and subsequent chondrogenic differentiation at a late stage. The results provide useful information for the chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells and cartilage tissue engineering.

Micro- and nanotechnology in biomedical engineering for cartilage tissue regeneration in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, which typically arises from aging, traumatic injury, or obesity, is the most common form of arthritis, which usually leads to malfunction of the joints and requires medical interventions due to the poor self-healing capacity of articular cartilage. However, currently used medical treatment modalities have reported, at least in part, disappointing and frustrating results for patients with osteoarthritis. Recent progress in the design and fabrication of tissue-engineered microscale/nanoscale platforms, which arises from the convergence of stem cell research and nanotechnology methods, has shown promising results in the administration of new and efficient options for treating osteochondral lesions. This paper presents an overview of the recent advances in osteochondral tissue engineering resulting from the application of micro- and nanotechnology approaches in the structure of biomaterials, including biological and microscale/nanoscale topographical cues, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanotubes.

Recent advances of 3D hydrogel culture systems for mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy and cell behavior regulation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been increasingly recognized as resources for disease treatments and regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, the unique chemical and physical properties of hydrogels provide innate advantages to achieve...

Cell-derived extracellular matrix materials for tissue engineering

The involvement of cell-derived extracellular matrix (CDM) in assembling tissue engineering scaffolds has yielded significant results. CDM possesses excellent characteristics, such as ideal cellular microenvironment mimicry and good biocompatibility, which make it a popular research direction in the field of bionanomaterials. CDM has significant advantages as an expansion culture substrate for stem cells, including stabilization of phenotype, reversal of senescence, and guidance of specific differentiation. In addition, the applications of CDM-assembled tissue engineering scaffolds for disease simulation and tissue organ repair are comprehensively summarized; the focus is mainly on bone and cartilage repair, skin defect or wound healing, engineered blood vessels, peripheral nerves, and periodontal tissue repair. We consider CDM a highly promising bionic biomaterial for tissue engineering applications and propose a vision for its comprehensive development.

Enhanced matrix production by cocultivated human stem cells and chondrocytes under concurrent mechanical strain

Conventional treatments of osteoarthritis have failed to re-build functional articular cartilage. Tissue engineering clinical treatments for osteoarthritis, including autologous chondrocyte implantation, provides an alternative approach by injecting a cell suspension to fill lesions within the cartilage in osteoarthritic knees. The success of chondrocyte implantation relies on the availability of chondrogenic cell lines, and their resilience to high mechanical loading. We hypothesize we can reduce the numbers of human articular chondrocytes necessary for a treatment by supplementing cultures with human adipose-derived stem cells, in which stem cells will have protective and stimulatory effects on mixed cultures when exposed to high mechanical loads, and in which coculture will enhance production of requisite extracellular matrix proteins over those produced by stretched chondrocytes alone. In this work, adipose-derived stem cells and articular chondrocytes were cultured separately or cocultivated at ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 in static plates or under excessive cyclic tensile strain of 10% and results were compared to culturing of both cell types alone with and without cyclic strain. Results indicate 75% of chondrocytes in engineered articular cartilage can be replaced with stem cells with enhanced collagen over all culture conditions and glycosaminoglycan content over stretched cultures of chondrocytes. This can be done without observing adverse effects on cell viability. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan secretion, when compared to chondrocyte alone under 10% strain, was enhanced 6.1- and 2-fold, respectively, by chondrocytes cocultivated with stem cells at a ratio of 1:3.

Hyaluronic acid hydrogels reinforced with laser spun bioactive glass micro- and nanofibres doped with lithium

The repair of articular cartilage lesions in weight-bearing joints remains as a significant challenge due to the low regenerative capacity of this tissue. Hydrogels are candidates to repair lesions as they have similar properties to cartilage extracellular matrix but they are unable to meet the mechanical and biological requirements for a successful outcome. Here, we reinforce hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels with 13-93-lithium bioactive glass micro- and nanofibres produced by laser spinning. The glass fibres are a reinforcement filler and a platform for the delivery of therapeutic lithium-ions. The elastic modulus of the composites is more than three times higher than in HA hydrogels. Modelling of the reinforcement corroborates the experimental results. ATDC5 chondrogenic cells seeded on the composites are viable and more proliferation occurs on the hydrogels containing fibres than in HA hydrogels alone. Furthermore, the chondrogenic behavior on HA constructs with fibres containing lithium is more marked than in hydrogels with no-lithium fibres.

Development of a Biomimetic Hydrogel Based on Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem-Cell-Derived ECM for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The use of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a biomaterial has been an important step forward for the development of functional tissue constructs. In addition to tissues and organs, cell cultures are gaining a lot of attention as an alternative source of dECM. In this work, a novel biomimetic hydrogel is developed based on dECM obtained from mesenchymal stem cells (mdECM) for cartilage tissue engineering. To this end, cells are seeded under specific culture conditions to generate an early chondrogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) providing cues and elements necessary for cartilage development. The composition is determined by quantitative, histological, and mass spectrometry techniques. Moreover, the decellularization process is evaluated by measuring the DNA content and compositional analyses, and the hydrogel is formulated at different concentrations (3% and 6% w/v). Results show that mdECM derived hydrogels possess excellent biocompatibility and suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties for their injectability. Furthermore, it is evidenced that this hydrogel is able to induce chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without supplemental factors and, furthermore, to form hyaline cartilage-like tissue after in vivo implantation. These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of this hydrogel based on mdECM for applications in cartilage repair and regeneration.

Gradient Mineralized and Porous Double-Network Hydrogel Effectively Induce the Differentiation of BMSCs into Osteochondral Tissue In Vitro for Potential Application in Cartilage Repair

At present, it is a considerable challenge to mimic the complex architecture of osteochondral (OC) tissue. In this study, a porous and gradient mineralized double-network hydrogel is synthesized and used to induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into the desired OC tissue depending only on the material and mechanical properties. Physical and chemical characterizations show that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles grow and fill into the pores of the hydrogel, and their content presents a gradient change in different layers of hydrogel. The synthesized hydrogel has excellent mechanical properties and the compression strength with different mineralization degrees varies from 27 to 380 kPa, which fully meets the needs of increased mechanical strength of articular cartilage from the surface to the deep layer. Besides, the synthesized hydrogel has good biocompatibility that can promote the proliferation and growth of BMSCs. More importantly, the results of histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and real time polymerase chain reaction show that gradient mineralized hydrogel can induce BMSCs to differentiate into the desired chondrocytes and osteoblasts in different layers of hydrogels, indicating that OC tissues can be successfully constructed through a simple induction differentiation of gradient mineralized hydrogel.

Metformin-Loaded PCL/PVA Fibrous Scaffold Preseeded with Human Endometrial Stem Cells for Effective Guided Bone Regeneration Membranes

Many studies have been devoted to investigating the potential of guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes for bone defect reconstruction. Regardless of approaches for treating damaged bone tissues, a beneficial therapeutic strategy has remained a challenge. In this study, a novel GBR membrane with polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) containing different concentrations of metformin (Met) for improving osteogenic properties was developed. The membranes were evaluated for their hydrophilicity, degradation rate, swelling ratio, drug release, mechanical properties, and biological responses. The results showed a significant increase in hydrophilicity, swelling ratio, and degradation rate and no significant changes in mechanical properties of PCL/PVA membranes with Met concentration enhancement. A decrease in cell viability cultured on the surface of the PCL/PVA membrane was seen when the amount of Met was changed from 10 to 15 wt %. The results of the in vitro quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) also confirmed the higher secretion of osteogenic-related genes in a PCL/PVA/Cell/10 wt % Met scaffold than in the PCL/PVA/Cell sample. Therefore, further in vivo studies were conducted using the electrospun PCL/PVA membrane containing human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) and 10% Met. Histopathological and histomorphometric results confirmed that PCL/PVA/hEnSCs/10 wt % Met has excellent potential to differentiate hEnSCs into osteogenic lineages and bone regeneration in calvarial defects of rats. The results of this study confirm the high potential of the PCL/PVA/10 wt % Met fibrous membrane preseeded with hEnSCs in GBR applications.

ECM scaffolds mimicking extracellular matrices of endochondral ossification for the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Endochondral ossification (ECO) is an important process of bone tissue development. During ECO, extracellular matrices (ECMs) are essential factors to control cell functions and induce bone regeneration. However, the exact role of ECO ECMs on stem cell differentiation remains elusive. In this study, ECM scaffolds were prepared to mimic the ECO-related ECM microenvironments and their effects on stem cell differentiation were compared. Four types of ECM scaffolds mimicking the ECMs of stem cells (SC), chondrogenic (CH), hypertrophic (HY) and osteogenic (OS) stages were prepared by controlling differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at different stages. Composition of the ECM scaffolds was dependent on the differentiation stage of MSCs. They showed different influence on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. HY ECM scaffold had the most promotive effect on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. CH ECM and OS ECM scaffolds showed moderate effect, while SC ECM scaffold had the lowest effect on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Their effects on chondrogenic or adipogenic differentiation were not significantly different. The results suggested that the engineered HY ECM scaffold had superior effect for osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Statement of significance ECM scaffolds mimicking endochondral ossification-related ECM microenvironments are pivotal for elucidation of their roles in regulation of stem cell functions and bone tissue regeneration. This study offers a method to prepare ECM scaffolds that mimic the ECMs from cells at hypertrophic, osteogenic, chondrogenic and stem cell stages. Their composition and impacts on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs were compared. The hypertrophic ECM scaffold had the highest promotive effect on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The results advance our understanding about the role of ECO ECMs in regulation of stem cell functions and provide perspective for bone defect repair strategies.

Autologous cell membrane coatings on tissue engineering xenografts for suppression and alleviation of acute host immune responses

Xenogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) based tissue engineering graft is one of the most promising products for transplantation therapies, which could alleviate the pain of patients and reduce surgery cost. However, in order to put ECM based xenografts into clinical use, the induced inflammatory and immune responses have yet to be resolved. Cell membrane is embedded with membrane proteins for regulation of cell interactions including self-recognition and potent in reducing foreign body rejections. In this study, a novel and facile method for evasion from immune system was developed by coating autologous red blood cell membrane as a disguise on xenogeneic ECM based tissue engineering graft surface. Porcine source Living Hyaline Cartilage Graft (LhCG) and decellularized LhCG (dLhCG) established by our group for cartilage tissue engineering were chosen as model grafts. The cell membrane coating was quite stable on xenografts with no obvious decrease in amount for 4 weeks. The autologous cell membrane coated xenograft has been proved to be recognized as "self" by immune system on cell, protein and gene levels according to the 14-day lasting in vivo study on rats with less inflammatory cells infiltrated and low inflammation-related cytokines gene expression, showing alleviated acute immune and inflammatory responses.

Integrational Technologies for the Development of Three-Dimensional Scaffolds as Platforms in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The prevalence of osteoarthritis is on the rise, and an effective treatment for cartilage defects is still being sought. Cartilage tissue in vivo encompasses complex structures and composition, both of which influence cells and many properties of the native cartilage. The extracellular matrix structure and components provides both morphological cues and the necessary signals to promote cell functions including metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation. In the present study, cryo-printing and electrospinning were combined to produce multizone scaffolds that consist of three distinctive zones. These scaffolds successfully mimic the collagen fiber orientation of the native cartilage. Moreover, in vitro analysis of chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds demonstrated the ability of multizone scaffolds to support long-term chondrocyte attachment and survival over a 5 week culture period. Moreover, multizone scaffolds were found to regulate the expression of key genes in comparison to the controls and allowed the detection of sulfated glycosaminoglycan. Evaluation of the compressive properties revealed that the multizone scaffolds possess more suitable mechanical properties, for the native cartilage, in comparison to the electrospun and phase-separated controls. Multizone scaffolds provide viable initial platforms that capture the complex structure and compressive properties of the native cartilage. They also maintain chondrocyte phenotype and function, highlighting their potential in cartilage tissue engineering applications.

Effect of a Bone Marrow-Derived Extracellular Matrix on Cell Adhesion and Neural Induction of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Extracellular matrix (ECM) represents an essential component of the cellular niche. In this conditioned microenvironment, the proliferation rates and differentiation states of stem cells are regulated by several factors. In contrast, in in vitro experimental models, cell growth, or induction procedures toward specific cell lines usually occur in contact with plastic, glass, or biogel supports. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a decellularized ECM, derived from bone marrow stem cells, on the neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted from dental pulp (Dental Pulp Stem Cells - DPSCs). Since DPSCs derive from neuroectodermal embryonic precursors, they are thought to have a greater propensity toward neuronal differentiation than MSCs isolated from other sources. We hypothesized that the presence of a decellularized ECM scaffold could act positively on neuronal-DPSC differentiation through reproduction of an in vivo-like microenvironment. Results from scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and gene expression assays showed that ECM is able to positively influence the morphology of cells and their distribution and the expression of specific neuronal markers (i.e., NF-L, NF-M, NF-H, PAX6, MAP2).

Decellularized extracellular matrices derived from cultured cells at stepwise myogenic stages for the regulation of myotube formation

The regulation of stem cell differentiation is key for muscle tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To this end, various substrates mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) have been developed with consideration of the mechanical, topological, and biochemical properties. However, mimicking the biochemical properties of the native ECM is difficult due to its compositional complexity. To develop substrates that mimic the native ECM and its biochemical properties, decellularization is typically used. Here, substrates mimicking the native ECM at each myogenic stage are prepared as stepwise myogenesis-mimicking matrices via the in vitro myogenic culture of C2C12 myoblasts and decellularization. Cells adhered to the stepwise myogenesis-mimicking matrices at similar levels. However, the matrices derived from cells at the myogenic early stage suppressed cell growth and promoted myogenesis. This promotion of myogenesis was potentially due to the suppression of the activation of endogenous BMP signaling following the suppression of the expression of the myogenic-inhibitory factors, Id2 and Id3. Our stepwise myogenesis-mimicking matrices will be suitable ECM models for basic biological research and myogenesis of stem cells. Further, these matrices will provide insights that improve the efficacy of decellularized ECM for muscle repair.

Biomaterials for In Situ Tissue Regeneration: A Review

This review focuses on a somewhat unexplored strand of regenerative medicine, that is in situ tissue engineering. In this approach manufactured scaffolds are implanted in the injured region for regeneration within the patient. The scaffold is designed to attract cells to the required volume of regeneration to subsequently proliferate, differentiate, and as a consequence develop tissue within the scaffold which in time will degrade leaving just the regenerated tissue. This review highlights the wealth of information available from studies of ex-situ tissue engineering about the selection of materials for scaffolds. It is clear that there are great opportunities for the use of additive manufacturing to prepare complex personalized scaffolds and we speculate that by building on this knowledge and technology, the development of in situ tissue engineering could rapidly increase. Ex-situ tissue engineering is handicapped by the need to develop the tissue in a bioreactor where the conditions, however optimized, may not be optimum for accelerated growth and maintenance of the cell function. We identify that in both methodologies the prospect of tissue regeneration has created much promise but delivered little outside the scope of laboratory-based experiments. We propose that the design of the scaffolds and the materials selected remain at the heart of developments in this field and there is a clear need for predictive modelling which can be used in the design and optimization of materials and scaffolds.

Biomaterials for In Situ Tissue Regeneration: A Review

This review focuses on a somewhat unexplored strand of regenerative medicine, that is in situ tissue engineering. In this approach manufactured scaffolds are implanted in the injured region for regeneration within the patient. The scaffold is designed to attract cells to the required volume of regeneration to subsequently proliferate, differentiate, and as a consequence develop tissue within the scaffold which in time will degrade leaving just the regenerated tissue. This review highlights the wealth of information available from studies of ex-situ tissue engineering about the selection of materials for scaffolds. It is clear that there are great opportunities for the use of additive manufacturing to prepare complex personalized scaffolds and we speculate that by building on this knowledge and technology, the development of in situ tissue engineering could rapidly increase. Ex-situ tissue engineering is handicapped by the need to develop the tissue in a bioreactor where the conditions, however optimized, may not be optimum for accelerated growth and maintenance of the cell function. We identify that in both methodologies the prospect of tissue regeneration has created much promise but delivered little outside the scope of laboratory-based experiments. We propose that the design of the scaffolds and the materials selected remain at the heart of developments in this field and there is a clear need for predictive modelling which can be used in the design and optimization of materials and scaffolds.

Enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in silk fibroin/chitosan/glycosaminoglycan scaffolds under dynamic culture condition

Cartilage tissue damage and diseases are the most common clinical situation that occurs because of aging and injury, thereby causing pain and loss of mobility. The inability of cartilage tissue to self-repair is instrumental in developing tissue engineered substitutes. To this effect, the present study aims to engineer cartilage construct by culturing umbilical cord blood-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on novel 3D porous scaffolds developed from natural biopolymers, silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS), with addition of cartilage matrix components, glucosamine (Gl) and chondroitin sulfate (Ch). The presence of Gl and Ch is expected to enhance cartilage regeneration. The developed SF/CS-Gl-Ch scaffolds possess desired pore size in the range 56.55-168.15 μm, 88-92% porosity, 44.7-46.8̊ contact angle, controlled swelling and biodegradability. Upon culturing under dynamic condition in a spinner flask bioreactor, the scaffold supported hMSCs attachment, proliferation, and further promoted chondrogenic differentiation. Cartilage-specific matrix and gene (Collagen II, Sox9 and aggrecan) expression analyses by histology, immunophenotype, immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR studies showed superiority of cell-scaffold construct generated in dynamic culture towards cartilage tissue generation as compared to cell aggregates formed by pellet culture. This study demonstrates the potentiality of SF/CS-Gl-Ch porous scaffold for the development of tissue construct for cartilage regeneration under dynamic culture condition.

Local nascent protein deposition and remodelling guide mesenchymal stromal cell mechanosensing and fate in three-dimensional hydrogels

Hydrogels serve as valuable tools for studying cell-extracellular matrix interactions in three-dimensional environments that recapitulate aspects of native extracellular matrix. However, the impact of early protein deposition on cell behaviour within hydrogels has largely been overlooked. Using a bio-orthogonal labelling technique, we visualized nascent proteins within a day of culture across a range of hydrogels. In two engineered hydrogels of interest in three-dimensional mechanobiology studies-proteolytically degradable covalently crosslinked hyaluronic acid and dynamic viscoelastic hyaluronic acid hydrogels-mesenchymal stromal cell spreading, YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation and osteogenic differentiation were observed with culture. However, inhibition of cellular adhesion to nascent proteins or reduction in nascent protein remodelling reduced mesenchymal stromal cell spreading and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ, resulting in a shift towards adipogenic differentiation. Our findings emphasize the role of nascent proteins in the cellular perception of engineered materials and have implications for in vitro cell signalling studies and application to tissue repair.

Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) and AMIC Enhanced by Autologous Concentrated Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMAC) Allow for Stable Clinical and Functional Improvements at up to 9 Years Follow-Up: Results from a Randomized Controlled Study

The aims of the study were to evaluate long-term outcomes after autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) in the treatment of focal chondral lesions and to assess the possible improvements given by the combination of this technique with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). Twenty-four patients (age range 18⁻55 years) affected by focal knee chondral lesions were treated with standard AMIC or AMIC enhanced by BMAC (AMIC+). Pain (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) and functional scores (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)) were collected pre-operatively and then at 6, 12, 24, 60, and 100 months after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation was performed pre-operatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-ups. Patients treated with AMIC+ showed higher Lysholm scores (p = 0.015) and lower VAS (p = 0.011) in comparison with patients in the standard AMIC group at the 12 months follow-up. Both treatments allowed for functional and pain improvements with respect to pre-operative levels lasting up to 100 months. MRI revealed consistent cartilage repair at 24 months in both groups. This study shows that AMIC and AMIC+ are effective treatments for focal chondral lesions with beneficial effect lasting up to 9 years. AMIC+ allows for faster recovery from injury, and is thus more indicated for patients requiring a prompt return to activity. Level of evidence: II, randomized controlled trial in an explorative cohort.

Solution viscosity regulates chondrocyte proliferation and phenotype during 3D culture

Chondrocytes are cultured in a 3D biphasic gelatin solution/hydrogel system. Solution viscosity affects chondrocyte functions. High viscosity is more beneficial for cell phenotype maintenance, while low viscosity is more beneficial for proliferation.

PLGA–collagen–ECM hybrid scaffolds functionalized with biomimetic extracellular matrices secreted by mesenchymal stem cells during stepwise osteogenesis-co-adipogenesis

Development of an in vitro 3D model that reflects the dynamic remodeling of ECMs during simultaneous osteogenesis and adipogenesis of hMSCs.

Bionic cartilage acellular matrix microspheres as a scaffold for engineering cartilage

Bionic cartilage acellular matrix microspheres (BCAMMs) made from decelluarized bionic cartilage microspheres (BCMs).

Chasing Chimeras - The elusive stable chondrogenic phenotype

The choice of the best-suited cell population for the regeneration of damaged or diseased cartilage depends on the effectiveness of culture conditions (e.g. media supplements, three-dimensional scaffolds, mechanical stimulation, oxygen tension, co-culture systems) to induce stable chondrogenic phenotype. Herein, advances and shortfalls in in vitro, preclinical and clinical setting of various in vitro microenvironment modulators on maintaining chondrocyte phenotype or directing stem cells towards chondrogenic lineage are critically discussed. Chondrocytes possess low isolation efficiency, limited proliferative potential and rapid phenotypic drift in culture. Mesenchymal stem cells are relatively readily available, possess high proliferation potential, exhibit great chondrogenic differentiation capacity, but they tend to acquire a hypertrophic phenotype when exposed to chondrogenic stimuli. Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, despite their promising in vitro and preclinical data, are still under-investigated. Although a stable chondrogenic phenotype remains elusive, recent advances in in vitro microenvironment modulators are likely to develop clinically- and commercially-relevant therapies in the years to come.

Graphene Oxide Immobilized PLGA-polydopamine Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Growth Inhibition of Colon Cancer Cells

Graphene oxide (GO)/poly (lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds have promising applications in the biomedical field. However, greater attention is focused on the incorporated system and its applications in normal cells. In this work, a novel GO immobilized PLGA nanofibrous scaffold assisted by polydopamine (PLGA-PDA-GO) is developed for growth inhibition of HT-29 colon cancer cells. The interactions between GO and PDA are attributed to a π-π conjugate interaction and electrostatic attraction. In addition to the enhancement of thermal stability and mechanical strength, the surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and electro-activity of the scaffolds are significantly improved by immobilization of GO. The scaffolds show good inhibition of HT-29, and immobilized GO is observed to be in contact with but not internalized in HT-29 cells. The cytotoxicity mechanism of scaffolds toward HT-29 is attributed to intracellular activated reactive oxygen species that result from the physical interaction of the sharp GO edges and electrical signals of π-π stacking between PDA and GO.

Methacrylamide-modified collagen hydrogel with improved anti-actin-mediated matrix contraction behavior

For an ideal biomimetic microenvironment to realize reliable cartilage regeneration, the ability to induce mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) differentiation along the chondrogenic lineage and prevent further dedifferentiation is expected. With native bioactivity, collagen has been proved to be preferential for inducing the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. However, the phenotypic maintenance of differentiated chondrocytes in a collagen matrix is still a challenge. Actin traction, which causes drastic contraction of the collagen matrix, is frequently observed and might be an important factor that affects cell fates including chondrogenic differentiation and phenotypic maintenance. In this study, photochemical modification was applied to acquire collagen hydrogels with improved mechanical strength and creep behavior. Accompanied by inherited bioactivity, the photo-crosslinked collagen hydrogel well supported the actin cytoskeleton functionalization while resisting the actin-mediated matrix contraction. Benefitting from this, the hydrogel system promoted MSCs proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation, and more importantly, prevented further dedifferentiation. By exploring the mesenchymal development-related signal transduction markers, it was revealed that the promoted chondrogenesis was achieved through inhibiting the over-expression of MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways that up-regulated dedifferentiated gene expression. The strategy of applying the hydrogel system to cartilage regeneration is foreseeable based on the positive heterotopic and orthotopic chondrogenic differentiation.

Nanoengineered, cell-derived extracellular matrix influences ECM-related gene expression of mesenchymal stem cells

Background

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are, due to their pluripotency, useful sources of cells for stem cell therapy and tissue regeneration. The phenotypes of hMSCs are strongly influenced by their microenvironment, in particular the extracellular matrix (ECM), the composition and structure of which are important in regulating stem cell fate. In reciprocal manner, the properties of ECM are remodeled by the hMSCs, but the mechanism involved in ECM remodeling by hMSCs under topographical stimulus is unclear. In this study, we therefore examined the effect of nanotopography on the expression of ECM proteins by hMSCs by analyzing the quantity and structure of the ECM on a nanogrooved surface.

Methods

To develop the nanoengineered, hMSC-derived ECM, we fabricated the nanogrooves on a coverglass using a UV-curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA). Then, hMSCs were cultivated on the nanogrooves, and the cells at the full confluency were decellularized. To analyze the effect of nanotopography on the hMSCs, the hMSCs were re-seeded on the nanoengineered, hMSC-derived ECM.

Results

hMSCs cultured within the nano-engineered hMSC-derived ECM sheet showed a different pattern of expression of ECM proteins from those cultured on ECM-free, nanogrooved surface. Moreover, hMSCs on the nano-engineered ECM sheet had a shorter vinculin length and were less well-aligned than those on the other surface. In addition, the expression pattern of ECM-related genes by hMSCs on the nanoengineered ECM sheet was altered. Interestingly, the expression of genes for osteogenesis-related ECM proteins was downregulated, while that of genes for chondrogenesis-related ECM proteins was upregulated, on the nanoengineered ECM sheet.

Conclusions

The nanoengineered ECM influenced the phenotypic features of hMSCs, and that hMSCs can remodel their ECM microenvironment in the presence of a nanostructured ECM to guide differentiation into a specific lineage.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40824-018-0141-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Promoted Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis by Dexamethasone-loaded Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles/Collagen Composite Scaffolds with Microgroove Networks

Reconstruction of large bone defects remains a clinical challenge because current approaches involving surgery and bone grafting often do not yield satisfactory outcomes. For artificial bone substitutes, angiogenesis plays a pivotal role to achieve the final success of newly regenerated bone. In this study, dexamethasone-loaded biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles/collagen composite scaffolds with several types of concave microgrooves were prepared for simultaneous promotion of angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Microgrooves in the scaffolds were supposed to guide the assembly of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) into well aligned tubular structures, thus promoting rapid angiogenesis. The scaffolds were used for co-culture of HUVECs and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Subcutaneous implantation in mice showed that more blood vessels and newly formed bone were observed in the microgrooved composite scaffolds than in the control scaffold. Scaffold bearing parallel microgrooves with a concave width of 290 µm and a convex ridge width of 352 µm showed the highest promotion effect on angiogenesis and osteogenesis among the parallelly microgrooved composite scaffolds. The scaffolds bearing a grid network had further superior promotion effect to the scaffolds bearing parallel microgrooves. The results indicated that microgrooves in the composite scaffolds facilitated angiogenesis and stimulated new bone formation. The microgrooved composite scaffolds should be useful for repairing of large bone defects.

Functionality of decellularized matrix in cartilage regeneration: A comparison of tissue versus cell sources

Increasing evidence indicates that decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) derived from cartilage tissues (T-dECMs) or chondrocytes/stem cells (C-dECMs) can support proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of cartilage-forming cells. However, few review papers compare the differences between these dECMs when they serve as substrates for cartilage regeneration. In this review, after an introduction of cartilage immunogenicity and decellularization methods to prepare T-dECMs and C-dECMs, a comprehensive comparison focuses on the effects of T-dECMs and C-dECMs on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of chondrocytes/stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Key factors within dECMs, consisting of microarchitecture characteristics and micromechanical properties as well as retained insoluble and soluble matrix components, are discussed in-depth for potential mechanisms underlying the functionality of these dECMs in regulating chondrogenesis. With this information, we hope to benefit dECM based cartilage engineering and tissue regeneration for future clinical application.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The use of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is becoming a promising approach for tissue engineering and regeneration. Compared to dECM derived from cartilage tissue, recently reported dECM from cell sources exhibits a distinct role in cell based cartilage regeneration. In this review paper, for the first time, tissue and cell based dECMs are comprehensively compared for their functionality in cartilage regeneration. This information is expected to provide an update for dECM based cartilage regeneration.

Icariin conjugated hyaluronic acid/collagen hydrogel for osteochondral interface restoration

Over the past decades, numerous tissue-engineered constructs have been investigated for the osteochondral repair. However, it still remains a challenge to regenerate the functionalized calcified layer. In this study, the potential of icariin (Ica) conjugated hyaluronic acid/collagen (Ica-HA/Col) hydrogel to promote the osteochondral interface restoration was investigated. Compared with HA/Col hydrogel, Ica-HA/Col hydrogel simultaneously facilitated chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in vitro. The cells encapsulated in Ica-HA/Col hydrogel tended to aggregate into bigger clusters. The chondrogenic genes' expression level was remarkably up-regulated, and the matrix synthesis of sGAG and type II collagen was significantly enhanced. Similarly, the osteogenic genes, including RUNX2, ALP, and OCN were also up-regulated at early stage. Consequently, more calcium deposition was observed in the Ica-HA/Col hydrogel construct. Moreover, the gene expression and matrix synthesis of type X collagen, an important marker for the formation of calcified layer; were significantly higher in the Ica-HA/Col hydrogel. Furthermore, the in vivo study showed that Ica-HA/Col constructs facilitated the reconstruction of osteochondral interface in rabbit subchondral defects. In the Ica-HA/Col group, the neo-cartilage layer contained more type II collagen and the newly formed subchondral bone deposited more abundant type I collagen. Overall, the results indicated that Ica-HA/Col hydrogel might be a promising scaffold to reconstruct an osteochondral interface, therefore promoting restoring of osteochondral defect.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The osteochondral defect restoration not only involves the repair of damaged cartilage and the subchondral bone, but also the reconstruction of osteochondral interface (the functional calcified layer). The calcified layer regeneration is essential for integrative and functional osteochondral repair. Over the past decade, numerous tissue engineered constructs have been investigated for the osteochondral repair. However, it still remains a challenge to regenerate a functionalized calcified layer. The present study demonstrates that Ica-HA/Col hydrogel facilitates deposition of matrix related to calcified layer in mixed chondrogenic/osteogenic inductive media and restoration of osteochondral defect in vivo. Since, Ica-HA/Col hydrogel as is cheaper, easier and more efficient, it might be a desired scaffold for the osteochondral defects restoration.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix enhances chondrogenic phenotype of and cartilage formation by encapsulated chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo

Mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular matrix (MSC-ECM) is a natural biomaterial with robust bioactivity and good biocompatibility, and has been studied as a scaffold for tissue engineering. In this investigation, we tested the applicability of using decellularized human bone marrow derived MSC-ECM (hBMSC-ECM) as a culture substrate for chondrocyte expansion in vitro, as well as a scaffold for chondrocyte-based cartilage repair. hBMSC-ECM deposited by hBMSCs cultured on tissue culture plastic (TCP) was harvested, and then subjected to a decellularization process to remove hBMSCs. Compared with chondrocytes grown on TCP, chondrocytes seeded onto hBMSC-ECM exhibited significantly increased proliferation rate, and maintained better chondrocytic phenotype than TCP group. After being expanded to the same cell number and placed in high-density micromass cultures, chondrocytes from the ECM group showed better chondrogenic differentiation profile than those from the TCP group. To test cartilage formation ability, composites of hBMSC-ECM impregnated with chondrocytes were subjected to brief trypsin treatment to allow cell-mediated contraction, and folded to form 3-dimensional chondrocyte-impregnated hBMSC-ECM (Cell/ECM constructs). Upon culture in vitro in chondrogenic medium for 21 days, robust cartilage formation was observed in the Cell/ECM constructs. Similarly prepared Cell/ECM constructs were tested in vivo by subcutaneous implantation into SCID mice. Prominent cartilage formation was observed in the implanted Cell/ECM constructs 14 days post-implantation, with higher sGAG deposition compared to controls consisting of chondrocyte cell sheets. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that hBMSC-ECM is a superior culture substrate for chondrocyte expansion and a bioactive matrix potentially applicable for cartilage regeneration in vivo.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Current cell-based treatments for focal cartilage defects face challenges, including chondrocyte dedifferentiation, need for xenogenic scaffolds, and suboptimal cartilage formation. We present here a novel technique that utilizes adult stem cell-derived extracellular matrix, as a culture substrate and/or encapsulation scaffold for human adult chondrocytes, for the repair of cartilage defects. Chondrocytes cultured in stem cell-derived matrix showed higher proliferation, better chondrocytic phenotype, and improved redifferentiation ability upon in vitro culture expansion. Most importantly, 3-dimensional constructs formed from chondrocytes folded within stem cell matrix manifested excellent cartilage formation both in vitro and in vivo. These findings demonstrate the suitability of stem cell-derived extracellular matrix as a culture substrate for chondrocyte expansion as well as a candidate bioactive matrix for cartilage regeneration.

Cells may feel a hard substrate even on a grafted layer of soft hydrogel

Introducing or grafting molecules onto biomaterial surfaces to regulate cell destination via biophysical cues is one of the important steps for biomaterial design in tissue engineering. Understanding how cells feel the substrate makes it easier to learn the mechanism behind cell-material interaction. In this study, on a glass substrate, we constructed poly-phenoxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) brushes having different lengths via a surface-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) method. FTIR-ATR and XPS tests of the formed polymer brushes indicate that these brushes have characteristic chemical structures of PHEMA; the polymer brush length revealed by the AFM tests increases linearly with reaction time. Cell lines of BMSCs, ATDC5, and human chondrocytes (HC) were cultured on these substrates to evaluate proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. Our results demonstrated that the cells cultured on the substrates with short PHEMA brushes developed a spread morphology and organized actin fibers as compared to the cells cultured on those with long brushes. Different cell lines showed different responses depending on the PHEMA brush length. Cells cultured on long PHEMA brushes displayed a more rounded shape, higher gene expression of FAK and integrin, and lower gene expression of NCAM and N-cadherin as compared to those, especially ATDC5 cells, cultured on short PHEMA brushes. On PHEMA brushes with a long length, the cell lines express higher cartilage-specific genes including Sox9 and Col2 and GAG in ECM. The results suggest that polymer brushes having different lengths may interfere with the behavior of the cells cultured on them.

Preparation of dexamethasone-loaded biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles/collagen porous composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Although bone is regenerative, its regeneration capacity is limited. For bone defects beyond a critical size, further intervention is required. As an attractive strategy, bone tissue engineering (bone TE) has been widely investigated to repair bone defects. However, the rapid and effective bone regeneration of large non-healing defects is still a great challenge. Multifunctional scaffolds having osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity are desirable to fasten functional bone tissue regeneration. In the present study, biomimetic composite scaffolds of collagen and biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles (BCP NPs) with a controlled release of dexamethasone (DEX) and the controlled pore structures were prepared for bone TE. DEX was introduced in the BCP NPs during preparation of the BCP NPs and hybridized with collagen scaffolds, which pore structures were controlled by using pre-prepared ice particulates as a porogen material. The composite scaffolds had well controlled and interconnected pore structures, high mechanical strength and a sustained release of DEX. The composite scaffolds showed good biocompatibility and promoted osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs when used for three-dimensional culture of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Subcutaneous implantation of the composite scaffolds at the dorsa of athymic nude mice demonstrated that they facilitated the ectopic bone tissue regeneration. The results indicated the DEX-loaded BCP NPs/collagen composite scaffolds had high potential for bone TE.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Scaffolds play a crucial role for regeneration of large bone defects. Biomimetic scaffolds having the same composition of natural bone and a controlled release of osteoinductive factors are desirable for promotion of bone regeneration. In this study, composite scaffolds of collagen and biphasic CaP nanoparticles (BCP NPs) with a controlled release nature of dexamethasone (DEX) were prepared and their porous structures were controlled by using ice particulates. In vitro cell culture and in vivo implantation experiments demonstrated the composite scaffolds exerted synergistic effects on the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and bone regeneration. The composite scaffolds also showed promotive effect on the formation of capillary blood vessels in the regenerated bone. This study is the first research to prepare DEX-loaded BCP NPs/collagen porous composite scaffolds. The superior performance of the composite scaffolds indicates the composite scaffolds should be useful for bone tissue engineering.

Effects of solid acellular type-I/III collagen biomaterials on in vitro and in vivo chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells

INTRODUCTION

Type-I/III collagen membranes are advocated for clinical use in articular cartilage repair as being able of inducing chondrogenesis, a technique termed autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Area covered: The current in vitro and translational in vivo evidence for chondrogenic effects of solid acellular type-I/III collagen biomaterials. Expert commentary: In vitro, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) adhere to the fibers of the type-I/III collagen membrane. No in vitro study provides evidence that a type-I/III collagen matrix alone may induce chondrogenesis. Few in vitro studies compare the effects of type-I and type-II collagen scaffolds on chondrogenesis. Recent investigations suggest better chondrogenesis with type-II collagen scaffolds. A systematic review of the translational in vivo data identified one long-term study showing that covering of cartilage defects treated by microfracture with a type-I/III collagen membrane significantly enhanced the repair tissue volume compared with microfracture alone. Other in vivo evidence is lacking to suggest either improved histological structure or biomechanical function of the repair tissue. Taken together, there is a paucity of in vitro and preclinical in vivo evidence supporting the concept that solid acellular type-I/III collagen scaffolds may be superior to classical approaches to induce in vitro or in vivo chondrogenesis of MSCs.

Fabrication of Highly Crosslinked Gelatin Hydrogel and Its Influence on Chondrocyte Proliferation and Phenotype

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels have been widely studied for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, because of their good biocompatibility and injectability. However, the quick degradation and low mechanical property of GelMA hydrogels need to be improved for further applications, especially for long-term implantation. In this study, a sequential double modification of gelatin was used to achieve high density of photocrosslinkable double bonds in gelatin derivatives. The amino groups in gelatin were first reacted with methacrylic anhydride. After this, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in gelatin were reacted with glycidyl methacrylate to obtain the double modified gelatin macromer. The double modified gelatin macromer was used to prepare gelatin hydrogels with high crosslinking density. The hydrogels exhibited high storage modulus and low degradation. Culture of bovine articular chondrocytes in the gelatin hydrogels showed that chondrocytes had round morphology and maintained a cartilaginous phenotype while cell proliferation was hampered. This method for increasing crosslinking density should be useful for preparation of stable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering.

Influence of microporous gelatin hydrogels on chondrocyte functions

Hydrogels can provide biomimetic three-dimensional microenvironments for transplanted cells and are attractive scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, gelatin hydrogels with microporous structures were prepared and their effects on chondrocyte functions were compared with gelatin hydrogels without microporous structures. Gelatin bulk hydrogels were prepared by photo-initiated crosslinking of gelatin methacrylate macromers. Micropores were formed in the bulk hydrogels by dissolution of gelatin microgels prepared by a cutting method. Chondrocytes cultured in gelatin hydrogels without microporous structures showed high expression and production of cartilaginous matrices and low cell proliferation. Chondrocytes cultured in gelatin hydrogels with microporous structures tended to migrate from bulk hydrogel matrices to the micropores. Chondrocytes in the microporous hydrogels showed higher proliferation and lower expression and production of cartilaginous matrices than did the chondrocytes cultured in hydrogels without microporous structures. Gelatin hydrogels without microporous structures facilitated maintenance of the cartilaginous phenotype of the chondrocytes while microporous gelatin hydrogels were beneficial for cell proliferation.

Induction of Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Biomimetic Gold Nanoparticles with Tunable RGD Density

Nanostructured materials have drawn a broad attention for their applications in biomedical fields. Ligand-modified nanomaterials can well mimic the dynamic extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironments to regulate cell functions and fates. Herein, ECM mimetic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with tunable surface arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) density are designed and synthesized to induce the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The biomimetic Au NPs with an average size of 40 nm shows good biocompatibility without affecting the cell proliferation in the studied concentration range. The RGD motifs on Au NPs surface facilitate cellular uptake of NPs into monolayer hMSCs through integrin-mediated endocytosis. The biomimetic NPs have a promotive effect on cartilaginous matrix production and marker gene expression in cell pellet culture, especially for the biomimetic Au NPs with high surface RGD density. This study provides a novel strategy for fabricating biomimetic NPs to regulate cell differentiation, which holds great potentials in tissue engineering and biomedical applications.

Extracellular matrix powder from cultured cartilage-like tissue as cell carrier for cartilage repair

Cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) is a promising material for cartilage repair because of its bioactivity. However, the animal source of ECM unavoidably increases the risk of pathogen infection and the variability of product quality. In this study, we utilized a novel 3D culture method to prepare a new type of artificial decellularized matrix powder (DEMP) for the development of injectable, bioactive, biodegradable cell carriers for cartilage tissue engineering. This culture method combined hanging drop culture with suspension culture method, and was very efficient to produce cartilage-like tissue (CLT). By this method, an initial 2.3 × 10⁶ chondrocyte generated as much as 58.22 mg wet weight CLT at two weeks, which proved to contain abundant glycoaminoglycans (GAGs), type II collagen, and BMP-2 and TGF-β1 growth factors by staining techniques and biochemical analysis. Subsequently, the two-week-old CLT was decellularized to prepare the artificial DEMP. In an in vitro study, it was found that MSCs cultured on DEMP differentiated to chondrocytes very well and secreted rich GAGs and type II collagen at three weeks even without exogenous TGF-β1. The in vivo study demonstrated that the DEMP not only facilitated regeneration of hyaline cartilage, which was implied by the intense staining of GAGs and type II collagen in rabbit subchondral defects at 1 month, but also benefited the regeneration of subchondral bone (bone ingrowth at 1 month: 48.22%) as shown in micro-CT data. Collectively, these results suggest that the artificial DEMP prepared by this culture method holds great potential as a novel ECM material for cartilage repair.

Preparation of dexamethasone-loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles for the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles (BCP-NPs) are prepared by incorporation of DEX during or after the formation of BCP-NPs. The DEX-loaded BCP-NPs release DEX in a sustained manner and enhance the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.

Cultured cell-derived decellularized matrices: a review towards the next decade

Summary of recent progress in cell-derived decellularized matrices preparation and application, with perspectives towards the next decade.