Journal of Tissue Science and Engineering

Enhanced Volume of Stem Cell-Based Regenerated Tissue Achieved by Altering Microenvironment and Cell Seeding Strategies

Abstract

Ricardo A Rosselló and David H Kohn

Tissue engineering has emerged as a potential alternative or complementary solution to organ failure or damage. Adult stem cell based approaches can provide a powerful platform for regeneration, given these cells capacity to differentiate into multiple tissues, given the appropriate signals. However, a barrier in the development of tissue in 3D constructs is the transport limitations of nutrients and by products to the core, producing low volumes of regenerated tissue. The microenvironment in the immediate vicinity of the cells, the number of cells that adhere to the substrate and their localization may play an important role in differentiation and tissue regeneration. In this study, we aim to overcome compromised development of hard tissue using 3D cell-based tissue engineering strategies. Specifically, we quantified the effect of a biomimetic template and cell seeding techniques in Gap Junction Intercellular Communication (GJIC), differentiation (Osteocalcin and Alkaline Phosphatase mRNA) In-vitro and bone volume fraction (In-vivo) of adult stem cells (Bone Marrow Stromal Cells) seeded in 3D rigid scaffolds. Significant increases in amount and distribution of bone were achieved when altering both the template and initial seeding conditions. Our findings indicate that creating a biomimetic environment and altering initial seeding conditions that enhance cell adhesion and cell-cell communication in rigid scaffolds are powerful strategies to overcome the incomplete regeneration of cell-based engineered tissue.