Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Nano-structured Surfaces

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). Their multi-potency provides a great promise as a cell source for tissue engineering and cell-based therapy for many diseases, particularly bone diseases and bone formation. To be able to direct and modulate the differentiation of MSCs into the desired cell types in situ in the tissue, nanotechnology is introduced and used to facilitate or promote cell growth and differentiation. These nano-materials can provide a fine structure and tuneable surface in nanoscales to help the cell adhesion and promote the cell growth and differentiation of MSCs. This could be a dominant direction in future for stem cells based therapy or tissue engineering for various diseases. Therefore, the isolation, manipulation, and differentiation of MSCs are very important steps to make meaningful use of MSCs for disease treatments. In this chapter, we have described a method of isolating MSC from human bone marrow, and how to culture and differentiate them in vitro. We have also provided research methods on how to use MSCs in an in vitro model and how to observe MSC biological response on the surface of nano-scaled materials.

The Effect of Hypoxia on the Stemness and Differentiation Capacity of PDLC and DPC

“…After completion of 3 cycles of adipogenic induction [23], cells were kept in adipogenic maintenance medium (10  μ g/mL insulin in high glucose DMEM with 10% FBS and 1% P/S) for three weeks, with change of medium every 3 days. After this, cells were washed with PBS, fixed with 4% PFA, and stained with Oil red O to detect the lipid droplets within the differentiated cells cultured in normoxia and hypoxia.…”