Enhanced Proliferation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Self-Assembled Peptide Hydrogel Modified with Heparin Mimetic Peptide

Abstract

The development of three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments that mimic the role of native extracellular matrix (ECM) components is very crucial. Self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels have been utilized as scaffolds for encapsulation, 3D culture, proliferation, and differentiation of cells and also for repairing defects in cartilage tissue. SAPs can be biofunctionalized with short peptide epitopes to form biomimetic scaffolds. Herein, KLD (KLDLKLDLKLDL) SAP was functionalized with a short bioactive motif, EGDK, to fabricate KLD-HM (KLDLKLDLKLDL-EGDK) SAP hydrogel and self-assembled. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of developed KLD-HM SAP hydrogels on the viability and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). For ensuring the stability of SAPs, the rheological properties and degradation profile of produced SAP hydrogels were assessed. After the encapsulation of hMSCs in SAP hydrogels, MTT assay and Live and Dead staining assay were conducted. We showed that these biomimetic peptide hydrogel scaffolds provided a proper microenvironment for encapsulated hMSCs and the developed SAP hydrogels promoted the adhesion, viability, and proliferation of hMSCs. Our results suggest that designed bioactive SAP hydrogel scaffolds might be useful for promoting the regeneration of cartilage tissue.