Abstract
The biomedical translational applications of functionalized nanoparticles require comprehensive studies on their effect on human stem cells. Here, we have tested neat star-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (s-MSN) and their chemically functionalized derivates; we examined nanoparticles (NPs) with similar dimensions but different surface chemistry, due to the amino groups grafted on silica nanoparticles (s-MSN-NH2), and gold nanoseeds chemically adsorbed on silica nanoparticles (s-MSN-Au). The different samples were dropped on glass coverslips to obtain a homogeneous deposition differing only for NPs’ chemical functionalization and suitable for long-term culture of human Bone Marrow–Mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and Adipose stem cells (hASCs). Our model allowed us to demonstrate that hBM-MSCs and hASCs have comparable growth curves, viability, and canonical Vinculin Focal adhesion spots on functionalized s-MSN-NH2 and s-MSN-Au as on neat s-MSN and control systems, but also to show morphological changes on all NP types compared to the control counterparts. The new shape was stem-cell-specific and was maintained on all types of NPs. Compared to the other NPs, s-MSN-Au exerted a small genotoxic effect on both stem cell types, which, however, did not affect the stem cell behavior, likely due to a peculiar stem cell metabolic restoration response.
Highlights
Tissue engineering is making enormous progress thanks to the rapid development of new synthetic or new assembly methods in material science [1,2,3].despite the prosperous fabrication of novel scaffolds, the production of high-performance materials is still a challenge for tissue regeneration [4]
Star-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (s-MSN) were synthesized following the procedure presented in the experimental section, wherein the use of a cationic templating agent (CTA+ ), with a counterion presenting high affinity for the polar head of the surfactant, like tosilate (Tos- ), allowed the formation of nanostructured silica with channel-like porosities [63]
The new cytoskeleton architecture allowed the interaction between neighboring stem cells with the formation of a network that was already evidenced on D3, especially on s-MSN-Au, and was maintained over time in culture (Figure 6a; Figure S3, Supplementary Materials)
Summary
Tissue engineering is making enormous progress thanks to the rapid development of new synthetic or new assembly methods in material science [1,2,3].despite the prosperous fabrication of novel scaffolds, the production of high-performance materials is still a challenge for tissue regeneration [4]. Artificial scaffold nanoengineering may offer a breakthrough in tissue regeneration by introducing innovative strategies to enhance the bioactivity and customize the properties of the matrix such as manageable particle size, tunable surface chemistry, biocompatibility, and the large surface-to-volume ratio [8,9,10,11]. In this field, nanoparticles (NPs) are currently one of the main tools explored in materials science, biology, and medicine due to their nanometric size (i.e., less than 100 nm in at least one dimension) and relatively specific manufacturing and functionalization [12,13,14].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
