The combinatory effect of scaffold topography and culture condition: an approach to nucleus pulposus tissue engineering

Abstract

Scaffold topography and culture medium conditions for human wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC) are critical components of the approach to nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue engineering. Aim: To evaluate the silk fibroin (SF) scaffold topography analysis (optimal thickness and pore diameter) and to determine culture medium conditions for the growth and differentiation of hWJ-MSC. Method: hWJ-MSCs were seeded into different thicknesses and pore size diameters and grown in different concentrations of glucose, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and oxygen. The cell-seeded scaffold was evaluated for cell attachment, growth and differentiation potency. Results & discussion: The results indicated that SF scaffold with a minimum thickness 3.5 mm and pore diameter of 500 μm with cells cultured under low glucose, 10% PRP and normoxia conditions induced the growth and differentiation of hWJ-MSCs, indicated by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans content and the presence of type II collagen, as markers of NP-like cells. Plain language summary Until recently, the best approach to replacing a degenerating nucleus pulposus (NP) remained unclear. Tissue engineering is the most current method utilized to develop 3D cultures on scaffolds that direct cells sources into NP-like cell given optimal scaffold topography and culture conditions. Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC) are considered suitable multipotent stem cells for NP tissue engineering. A 3D construct of silk fibroin scaffold with a suitable thickness and pore diameter can facilitate attachment, growth and differentiation of hWJ-MSC into NP-like cells. Culture conditions with low glucose concentration on medium supplemented with PRP in normal oxygen conditions enhance the NP extracellular matrix marker, an indication that these 3D constructs and culture conditions can be developed into NP-like cells.