Interaction of stem cells derived from maxillary and mandibular bone with salts from culture medium

Abstract

Developing stem cells require specific culture media for each cell culture. Unexpected chemical reactions may occur between the components of the culture medium and the products secreted by the stem cells.In this study we used two human bone fragments: mandibular alveolar bone and tuberosity bone. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone tissues were isolated using the explant method and cultured in specific culture medium DMEM/F-12 (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium / Nutrient mixture F-12). Cell cultures were maintained at a humidity of 99%, a temperature of 37 °C and 5% CO 2 . The bone stem cells were examined by optical inverted microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis. In primary cultures, the first stem cells emerged from the explants after 7 days (from tuberosity bone) and after 11 days (for the mandibular alveolar bone). The light microscopy examination revealed, in the developing stem cells cultures, spherical-oval masses, of varying size, with amorphous pearly white aspect and hyperchromatic centre. The scanning electron microscopy and EDAX qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis showed that these masses consisted of natrium chloride (NaCl) crystals precipitated around organic material. The masses of precipitated crystals progressively increased in size and number within the cell cultures, limiting the cell proliferation and development to reach confluence.Stem cells derived from human maxillary and mandibular bones promoted the precipitation of NaCl crystals in culture medium, which influenced the cells' development.