Assemblable 3D biomimetic microenvironment for hMSC osteogenic differentiation

Abstract

Abstract The suitable simulation of a tissue’s native environment is one of the elemental premises of tissue engineering. Although various attempts have been made to induce human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) into an osteogenic pathway, they are still far from widespread clinical application. Most strategies mainly focus on providing a specific type of cue, far from replicating the complexity of the bone microenvironment. By applying magnetoelectric microspheres composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and cobalt ferrites, functionalized with collagen and gelatin, and packed in a 3D arrangement, a multifunctional platform for hMSC osteogenic differentiation has been developed. This platform is able to perform mechanical stimulation of piezoelectric PVDF, mimicking the bones biophysical electromechanical cues. Surface functionalization with extracellular matrix (ECM) biomolecules and osteogenic media further contribute to this all-round approach. hMSC were cultured in osteogenic-inducing conditions in order to induce them into this pathway and tested for proliferation, surface biomarkers, and gene expression to evaluate their osteogenic commitment.