Abstract
Optimal combination of stem cells and biocompatible support material is a promising strategy for successful tissue engineering. The required differentiation of stem cells is crucial for functionality of engineered tissues and can be regulated by chemical and physical cues. Here we examined how boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) are affected when cultured in the same medium, but on collagen- or laminin-polyacrylamide (PAA) scaffolds of different stiffness (0.5, 1, or ~7 kPa). bNCSCs displayed marked differences in their ability to attach, maintain a large cell population and differentiate, depending on scaffold stiffness. These findings show that the design of physical cues is an important parameter to achieve optimal stem cell properties for tissue repair and engineering.
Highlights
Stem cells are attractive for regenerative medicine as a source for cell replacement therapy, as well as for their potential to modify disease processes and promote tissue repair
We have previously explored the properties of boundary cap neural crest stem cells, a transient neural crest-derived group of cells (Aldskogius et al, 2009; Hjerling-Leffler et al, 2005), which are able to differentiate into neurons and glia in vitro and after transplantation to the peripheral (Aquino et al, 2006) or central nervous system (Radomska & Topilko, 2017; Trolle, König, Abrahamsson, Vasylovska, & Kozlova, 2014; Zujovic et al, 2010, 2011) in vivo
We investigate how the stiffness of the material and the covering substrate affect boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) adhesion, maintenance, and differentiation and show that polyacrylamide (PAA) scaffolds of different stiffness covered with collagen or laminin influence these properties of bNCSCs in 2D cultures
Summary
Stem cells are attractive for regenerative medicine as a source for cell replacement therapy, as well as for their potential to modify disease processes and promote tissue repair. We have previously explored the properties of boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs), a transient neural crest-derived group of cells (Aldskogius et al, 2009; Hjerling-Leffler et al, 2005), which are able to differentiate into neurons and glia in vitro and after transplantation to the peripheral (Aquino et al, 2006) or central nervous system (Radomska & Topilko, 2017; Trolle, König, Abrahamsson, Vasylovska, & Kozlova, 2014; Zujovic et al, 2010, 2011) in vivo In addition to their robust survival and broad differentiation potential, they display a remarkable ability to promote survival and support the function of different types of co-cultured cells. We investigate how the stiffness of the material and the covering substrate affect bNCSC adhesion, maintenance, and differentiation and show that polyacrylamide (PAA) scaffolds of different stiffness covered with collagen or laminin influence these properties of bNCSCs in 2D cultures
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