Scaffold channel size influences stem cell differentiation pathway in 3-D printed silica hybrid scaffolds for cartilage regeneration
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Li, Siwei
Tallia, Francesca
Mohammed, Ali A
Stevens, Molly M
Jones, Julian R
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report that 3-D printed scaffold channel size can direct bone marrow derived stem cell differentiation. Treatment of articular cartilage trauma injuries, such as microfracture surgery, have limited success because durability is limited as fibrocartilage forms. A scaffold-assisted approach, combining microfracture with biomaterials has potential if the scaffold can promote articular cartilage production and share load with cartilage. Here, we investigated human bone marrow derived stromal cell (hBMSC) differentiation in vitro in 3-D printed silica/poly(tetrahydrofuran)/poly(ε-caprolactone) hybrid scaffolds with specific channel sizes. Channel widths of ∼230 μm (210 ± 22 μm mean strut size, 42.4 ± 3.9% porosity) provoked hBMSC differentiation down a chondrogenic path, with collagen Type II matrix prevalent, indicative of hyaline cartilage. When pores were larger (∼500 μm, 229 ± 29 μm mean strut size, 63.8 ± 1.6% porosity) collagen Type I was dominant, indicating fibrocartilage. There was less matrix and voids in smaller channels (∼100 μm, 218 ± 28 μm mean strut size, 31.2 ± 2.9% porosity). Our findings suggest that a 200–250 μm pore channel width, in combination with the surface chemistry and stiffness of the scaffold, is optimal for cell–cell interactions to promote chondrogenic differentiation and enable the chondrocytes to maintain their phenotype.
Date Issued
2020-08-21
Date Acceptance
2020-02-13
Citation
Biomaterials Science, 2020, 8 (16), pp.4458-4466
ISSN
2047-4830
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Start Page
4458
End Page
4466
Journal / Book Title
Biomaterials Science
Volume
8
Issue
16
Copyright Statement
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2020.
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Commission of the European Communities
Identifier
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/BM/C9BM01829H#!divAbstract
Grant Number
EP/M019950/1
MMRE_P60111
MR/R015651/1
289958
Subjects
0304 Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry
0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology
1004 Medical Biotechnology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2020-02-14