using the WST-1 assay. Cell proliferation on A and B was especially rapid on the 18th day of culture. Therefore, we performed a significance test (Dunnett) for cell proliferation using A or B as the control group.

Objective Compared to other stem cells, the multipotency of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) is limited. Effective approaches that trigger or enhance lineage-specific transdifferentiation are highly envisaged in the improvement of ASCs-based cell therapies. Using Immunofluorescence assays and the secretion of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) protein, we studied the impact of two substrates: Hydroxyapatite (HAp)-coated nonwoven polyethylene (PET)/polypropylene (PP) fabric and glass surfaces, representing 3 dimensional (D) and 2 D environments respectively, on the induction of cardiomyocytes – a non-mesodermal cell type from ASCs for 1–5 weeks. Results ASCs were successfully isolated from human adipose tissue under cGMP conditions. Within 1–3 weeks, expression of cTnT in the induced 3D cultures was overall significantly higher (P < 0.021) than that in the induced 2D cultures or controls (P < 0.0009). Remarkably, after 3 weeks of culture, cTnT secretion in the induced 3D cultures gradually declined, nearly reaching levels observed in the 2D cultures. The results show that HAp-coated nonwoven PE/PP fabric could enhance lineage-specific differentiation of ASCs toward cardiac-like cells. However, the fabric might suppress growth of the transformed cells. These preliminary findings encourage further interest in validating the fabric’s potential in improving ASCs transdifferentiation.

Biodegradable Nonwoven Fabrics In article number 2101776, Hiroshi Sunami and co‐workers develop biodegradable nonwoven fabrics that can be used to extract and culture adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) from adipose tissue slices without enzyme digestions. ADSCs and ADSC sheets for regenerative therapies are produced more rapidly by cultivating cells on the nonwoven fabrics.