Growth Factors Cross-Linked to Collagen Microcarriers Promote Expansion and Chondrogenic Differentiation of XXXX Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

@entity1 @entity12259 @entity540 @entity2533 @entity14314 @entity8728 @entity995
UNASSIGNED: Tissue engineering is a field in progressive expansion and requires constant updates in methods and devices. One of the central fields is the development of biocompatible, biodegradable, and injectable scaffolds, such as collagen microcarriers. To enhance cell attachment and produce a cost-effective cell culture solution with local stimulation of cells, basic fibroblast growth factor ( @entity540 ) or transforming growth factor-b1 ( @entity2533 ) was covalently immobilized on microcarriers either by @entity12259 / @entity14314 (EDC/NHS) or @entity8728 /UV ( @entity995 /UV) light-mediated cross-linking. Collagen microcarriers cross-linked with @entity540 or @entity2533 were used for expansion and chondrogenic differentiation of @entity1 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Evaluation methods included cell viability test, chondrogenic marker expression (aggrecan and collagen type I and type II), histological detection of proteoglycans, and immunohistochemical analysis. Cross-linking strengthened the collagen structure of the microcarriers and reduced collagenase-mediated degradation. MSCs effectively proliferated on microcarriers cross-linked with @entity540 , especially by EDC/NHS cross-linking. Chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs was induced by @entity2533 cross-linked on microcarriers, promoting gene expression and protein accumulation of aggrecan and collagen type I and type II, as well as proteoglycans. Cross-linking by @entity995 /UV enhanced chondrogenesis more than any other group. In addition, cross-linking reduced scaffold shrinkage exerted by MSCs during chondrogenesis, a desirable feature for microcarriers if used as tissue defect filler. In conclusion, cross-linking of @entity540 or @entity2533 to collagen microcarriers supported in vitro proliferation and chondrogenesis, respectively. If translated in vivo and in clinical practice, such approach might lead a step closer to development of a cost-effective and locally acting device for cell-based therapy.
