In vitro effects of biomaterials on mesenchymal stem cells viability and proliferation

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly being used in regenerative medicine to repair various tissue types. This study aimed to assess changes in MSCs properties as a result of their interaction with two biomaterials in order to evaluate their in vitro compatibility. We have used two types of biomaterials, as follows: hydroxyapatite anodized titanium (HA-Ti) is used in bone reconstruction; it is hard and remains in the body, while patches of collagen combined with poly-å-caprolactone (C-PCL) are utilized in the reconstruction of soft tissue (particularly the skin); these patches resorb in the body, being only a temporary matrix that fosters and accelerates tissue formation. We have chosen to assess changes in morphology, viability and proliferation of MSCs obtained by lipoaspirate, through direct contact with the biomaterial or in eluate. MSCs properties were assessed by optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy after acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, and the MTT assay. After result interpretation, we gained an image of the cytotoxicity phenomenon seen during the experiment and were able to assess viability of cell in contact with the biomaterials used. HA-Ti shows better interaction with cells, which preserve their viability, and does not influence MSCs growth, proliferation or morphology. In contrast, cells on C-PCL matrix become small, spherical, were detached from the plate and had lower viability percentage.