Influence of Three-Dimensional Hyaluronic Acid Microenvironments on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Chondrogenesis

摘要: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor whose plasticity and self-renewal capacity have generated significant interest for applications in tissue engineering. The objective of this study was to investigate MSC chondrogenesis photo-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels. Because HA is a native component cartilage, MSCs may interact with via cell surface receptors, these hydrogels could influence differentiation. In vitro vivo cultures MSC-laden permitted chondrogenesis, measured by the early gene expression production cartilage-specific matrix proteins. For culture, were encapsulated without transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-beta3) or pre-cultured 2 weeks chondrogenic medium before implantation. Up-regulation type II collagen, aggrecan, sox 9 observed all groups over at time encapsulation, addition TGF-beta3 further enhanced genes. To assess scaffold chemistry on compared relatively inert poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) showed markers. Differences between PEG most noticeable polymer alone, indicating that hydrogel influences commitment undergo (e.g., approximately 43-fold up-regulation collagen hydrogels). Although investigated only markers regeneration, results emphasize importance material cues differentiation microenvironments, potentially through interactions materials receptors.