Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes on Polymeric Substrate

Among the current biomaterial applications, the use of biopolymers as cell scaffolds could aid the development of stem cell-based therapies aimed at replacing tissue loss due to injuries or diseases, such as during myocardial infarction. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) provide a great therapeutic potential for cardiac tissue. In this study, the interaction of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) with poly L-co-D, L lactic acidco-trimethylene carbonate (PLDLA-co-TMC) was assessed. The characterization of this material was made by means of SEM, DSC, TGA, GPC, Tensile Test, Viability Assay, and stem cells behavior by qPCR and Immunofluorescence techniques. From the obtained results, we conclude that the TMC elements added to PLDLA influenced the material proprieties, providing greater flexibility to the biopolymer and showed weight loss throughout the hydrolytic degradation process. mEScell growth and differentiation on PLDLA-co-TMC membrane, demonstrated the cyto compatibility of this polymer, and provided evidence of minimal to no toxicity on the cells, allowing adhesion and cell proliferation, as well as differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Overall, these results present the polymer as a potential scaffold to be exploited in cardiac tissue regeneration.