Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess huge potential for regenerative medicine. For tissue engineering approaches, scaffolds and hydrogels are routinely used as extracellular matrix (ECM) carriers. The present study investigated the feasibility of using textile-reinforced hydrogels with adjustable porosity and elasticity as a versatile platform for soft tissue engineering. A warp-knitted poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) scaffold was developed and characterized with respect to morphology, porosity, and mechanics. The textile carrier was infiltrated with hydrogels and cells resulting in a fiber-reinforced matrix with adjustable biological as well as mechanical cues. Finally, the potential of this platform technology for regenerative medicine was tested on the example of fat tissue engineering. MSCs were seeded on the construct and exposed to adipogenic differentiation medium. Cell invasion was detected by two-photon microscopy, proliferation was measured by the PrestoBlue assay. Successful adipogenesis was demonstrated using Oil Red O staining as well as measurement of secreted adipokines. In conclusion, the given microenvironment featured optimal mechanical as well as biological properties for proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. Besides fat tissue, the textile-reinforced hydrogel system with adjustable mechanics could be a promising platform for future fabrication of versatile soft tissues, such as cartilage, tendon, or muscle.
Highlights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells in the stroma of several tissues in the body, which can differentiate in several cell types of the mesodermal lineage, i.e., adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and myocytes [1]
Spacer fabrics are three-dimensional textile scaffolds that comprise an upper and lower cover area connected with multiple pile yarns (Figure 1A)
The fabrics were characterized with respect to their fabrics were generated using warp-knitting technology
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells in the stroma of several tissues in the body, which can differentiate in several cell types of the mesodermal lineage, i.e., adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and myocytes [1]. They have been defined by the Committee of the International Society for Cellular Therapy by their ability to differentiate and by being plastic adherent in standard culture conditions [2]. Materials 2020, 13, 3518 including adipose-derived stromal cells, and preadipocytes [4,5] It is nowadays one of the most relevant cell sources, because adipose tissue contains approximately 500 times more MSCs compared to bone marrow [5]. Adipose tissue can be harvested more and less invasive than bone marrow, e.g., by liposuction [4]
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