Directing the chondrogenic differentiation of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells using spider silk-based micropattern

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy shows promise to treat cartilage degeneration, which lacks the regenerative ability in osteoarthritic patients. Differentiation of MSCs into chondrocytes mainly uses a specific differentiation medium. However, biomechanical induction can direct chondrogenesis without chondrogenic medium, particularly with micropattern. Micropattern provides physical and mechanical cell hence facilitates signal transduction that leads differentiation. Human Wharton's jelly (HWJ-MSCs) were used as material due their low risk allogenic transplant rejection. In this study, was done using striped micropatterns 500 µm 1000 width spidroin concentrations 50 µg/ml 10 mg/ml determine effect density on HWJ-MSCs chondrogenesis. This study aimed develop non-toxic spider silk protein (spidroin) bioink from Argiope appensa biomaterial, produce micropattern microcontact printing, concentration markers, specifically glycosaminoglycan (GAG) collagen type II. GAG content measured through colorimetric analysis Alcian Blue, whereas II expression visualized immunocytochemistry. MTT assay showed improved viability HWJ-MSCs. The combination produced highest content. detected all treatment groups. able induce by increasing density, played an essential role condensation step Spidroin hypothesized via integrin signaling, influenced spreading contractility. concludes based content, optimal condition µg/ml.