Label-Free Imaging of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroid Differentiation with Flexible-Probe SECM and a Microfluidic Device

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as an indispensable source for stem cell research and preclinical studies due to their capacity for in vitro proliferation and their potential to differentiate into mesodermal lineages, particularly into osteoblasts. This capability has propelled their application in the fields of bone regeneration and osteochondral repair. Traditional methodologies for assessing the differentiation status of MSCs necessitate invasive procedures such as cell lysis or fixation. In this study, we introduce a nondestructive technique that utilizes an integrated label-free approach to evaluate the osteogenic maturation of MSC spheroid aggregates. This method employs scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with a flexible probe in conjunction with a top-removable microfluidic device designed for easy SECM access. By tracking the production rate of p-aminophenol (PAP) in the generation/collection mode and assessing morphological changes via the negative feedback mode using [Ru­(NH3)6]­Cl3 (Ruhex), we can discern variations in the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity indicative of osteogenic differentiation. This innovative strategy enables the direct evaluation of osteogenic differentiation in MSC spheroids cultured within microwell arrays without necessitating any labeling procedures. The utilization of a flexible microelectrode as the probe that scans in contact mode (with probe–substrate distances potentially as minimal as 0 μm) affords enhanced resolution compared to the traditional stiff-probe technique. Furthermore, this method is compatible with subsequent molecular biology assays, including gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence, thereby confirming the electrochemical findings and establishing the validity of this integrative approach.