PLLA/HA Nano composite scaffolds for stem cell proliferation and differentiation in tissue engineering

Abstract Due to their mulitpotency, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have the ability to proliferate and differentiate into multiple mesodermal tissues. The aim of this study was to isolate MSCs from human Umbilical Cord (hUCMSCs) to determine their osteogenic potential on nanofibrous scaffolds. To this end, Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/Nano hydroxyapatite (HA) composite nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning. The structure and morphology of the scaffolds were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from the umbilical cords and cultured in the PLLA/HA scaffold. The viability and proliferation of the cells was then determined by an MTT assay. Cellular adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed in these constructs using a range of histological and microscopic techniques. The osteogenesis assays indicated the superiority of nanofibrous scaffolds in supporting MSCs undergoing bone differentiation. Collectively, the bone construct prepared with PLLA/HA scaffold and proliferated MSCs would be a suitable candidate for use in bone regenerative medicine. Keywords: hUCMSCs; nanofibrous scaffolds; hydroxyapatite; PLLA; Cell proliferation; Bone differentiation.