Formation of size‑controllable spheroids using gingiva‑derived stem cells and concave microwells: Morphology and viability tests

Abstract

Human mesenchymal stem cells have previ­ously been isolated and characterized from the gingiva, and gingiva‑derived stem cells have been applied for tissue engineering purposes. The present study was performed to generate size‑controllable stem cell spheroids using concave microwells. Gingiva‑derived stem cells were isolated, and the stem cells of 1x105 (group A) or 2x105 (group B) cells were seeded in polydimethylsiloxane‑based, concave micromolds with 600 μm diameters. The morphology of the micro­spheres was viewed under an inverted microscope, and the changes in the diameter and cell viability were analyzed. The gingiva‑derived stem cells formed spheroids in the concave microwells. The diameters of the spheroids were larger in group A compared to group B. No significant changes in shape or diameter were noted with increases in incubation time. Cell viability was higher in group B at each time point when compared with group A. Within the limits of the study, the size‑controllable stem cell spheroids could be generated from gingival cells using microwells. The shape of the spheroids and their viability were clearly maintained during the experi­mental periods.