Gradient Cell Density Formation and Adipogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on a Micropattened Surface

摘要

Manipulation of stem cell functions such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation remains a great challenge in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Many factors including soluble growth factors, mechanical stimuli, surface morphology and chemical groups have been reported to affect the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Cell density has also been reported as a factor affecting cell functions such as proliferation and differentiation [1]. However, until now the effect of cell density on cell functions has been studied by culturing cells separately at different cell densities. It is desirable to compare the effect more directly if cells at different cell densities can be cultured simultaneously on a single surface. The present study used UV-photolithographic process to prepare non-adhesive poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-micropatterned surfaces that allowed the formation of a cell density gradient. The effect of density of human MSCs on their adipogenic differentiation was investigated by culturing MSCs on the PVA-micropatterend surfaces.