The effect of PLLA/PVA nanofibrous scaffold on the chondrogenesis of human induced pluripotent stem cells

Abstract

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been shown as an attractive source for cartilage repair and regenerative medicine. Chondrogenesis of iPSCs is important in cartilage tissue engineering. The objective of our study was enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of iPSCs by using Poly-L-lactic acid/polyvinyl alcohol (PLLA/PVA)-based scaffold and chondrogenic medium. PLLA scaffold was fabricated via electrospinning. The iPSC cells were cultured on the PLLA/PVA scaffold and scaffold-free method. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the cartilage-specific genes in the mRNA levels. Also, we have done immunocytochemistry and SEM imaging for confirming differentiation. Real-time PCR showed that significantly increased gene expression of collagen type II, collagen type X and aggrecan on the PLLA/PVA scaffold method when compared to the mRNA levels measured in the scaffold-free method. Down-regulation of Collagen I was observed in PLLA/PVA scaffold compared to scaffold-free. Also, both methods were shown a similar pattern of expression of SOX9. After 21 days, Immunocytochemistry and SEM imaging confirmed the differentiation of iPSC toward chondrocyte. Our results showed that PLLA/PVA scaffold maintain iPSC proliferation and differentiation, and can significantly enhance chondrogenic differentiation of iPSC. PLLA/PVA scaffold seeded iPSC showed the highest capacity for differentiation into chondrocyte-like cells.