Effects of Micro-Electrical Stimulation on Regulation of Behavior of Electro-Active Stem Cells

Abstract

Purpose: Stem cells provide new opportunities in the regenerative medicine for human or animal tissue regeneration. In this study, we report an efficient method for the modulating behaviors of electro-active stem cells by micro-electric current stimulation (mES) without using chemical agents, such as serum or induction chemicals. Methods: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were cultured on the tissue culture dish in the mES system. To find a suitable mES condition to promote the DPSC functions, the response surface analysis was used. Results: We found that a working micro-current of 38 μA showed higher DPSC proliferation compared with other working conditions. The mES altered the expressions of intracellular and extracellular proteins compared to those in unstimulated cells. The mES with 38 μA significantly increased osteogenesis of DPSCs compared with ones without mES. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that mES may induce DPSC proliferation and differentiation, resulting in applying to DPSCs-based human or animal tissue regeneration.

Electrical Stimulation through Conductive Substrate to Enhance Osteo-Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells

“…To date, the promotion effect of ES on the hDPSCs differentiation is rare. Im et al have inserted electrodes in culture medium to stimulate hDPSCs by electrical current, and their results showed that this fluid-mediated ES treatment seems to improve cell proliferation, and the expression of OCN is slightly enhanced [25]. However, whether ES may promote osteo-differentiation, especially the level of mineralization, is still unclear.…”

“…Actually, hDPSCs have been administrated in vivo combing pulsed electrical magnetic field (PEMF) treatment for healing injured nerves, however, there was no difference when comparing to the PEMF only group [24]. In contrast, electrodes have been inserted to medium to directly stimulate hDPSCs, which significantly improved the expression of osteocalcin [25], suggesting that direct-current electric field (DCEF) may facilitate the differentiation of hDPSCs compared to the PEMF treatment. Regarding the bone repair, Wolff's law indicates that bone regeneration always adapts to the loading.…”

Design, Fabrication, and Application of a Microfluidic Device for Investigating Physical Stress-Induced Behavior in Yeast and Microalgae

“…Cells are exposed to many external chemical and physical cues in their environment (Im et al, 2013). However, compared with the effects of chemical factors on cell behavior and function, the extent and importance of physical cues are still poorly understood and require further investigation.…”