Designing topographically textured microparticles for induction and modulation of osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell engineering.

Mesenchymal stem cells are the focus of intense research in bone development and regeneration. The potential of microparticles as modulating moieties of osteogenic response by utilizing their architectural features is demonstrated herein. Topographically textured microparticles of varying microscale features are produced by exploiting phase-separation of a readily soluble sacrificial component from polylactic acid. The influence of varying topographical features on primary human mesenchymal stem cell attachment, proliferation and markers of osteogenesis is investigated. In the absence of osteoinductive supplements, cells cultured on textured microparticles exhibit notably increased expression of osteogenic markers relative to conventional smooth microparticles. They also exhibit varying morphological, attachment and proliferation responses. Significantly altered gene expression and metabolic profiles are observed, with varying histological characteristics in vivo. This study highlights how tailoring topographical design offers cell-instructive 3D microenvironments which allow manipulation of stem cell fate by eliciting the desired downstream response without use of exogenous osteoinductive factors.

Zonal release of proteins within tissue engineering scaffolds.

The manufacture of a scaffold for tissue engineering applications that can control the location and timing of growth factor release is described. The scaffold is formed by the sintering of poly(DL-lactic acid) (P(DL)LA) microparticles, plasticized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), although the method can be used for many other polymer types. The microparticles were loaded with model proteins, trypsin and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), or recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Entrapment efficiencies above 75% were achieved using a solid-in-oil-in-water system. Controlled release of active protein was achieved for at least 30 days. Microparticles were built into protein-loaded or protein-free layers and release of the protein was restricted to zones within the scaffold. Cell response to rhBMP-2 was tuneable by changing the dose of the rhBMP-2 released by varying the ratio of protein-loaded and protein-free microparticles within scaffolds. Zonal activity of rhBMP-2 on C2C12 cells was demonstrated. The scaffolds may find utility in applications where gradients of growth factors within 3D templates are required or where zonation of tissue growth is required.