Coating 3D Printed Polycaprolactone Scaffolds with Nanocellulose Promotes Growth and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) has potential as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, but the hydrophobic surface may hinder optimal cell responses. The surface properties can be improved by coating the scaffold with cellulose nanofibrils material (CNF), a multiscale hydrophilic biocompatible biomaterial derived from wood. In this study, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on tissue culture plates (TCP) and 3D printed PCL scaffolds coated with CNF. Cellular responses to the surfaces (viability, attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation) were documented. CNF significantly enhanced the hydrophilic properties of PCL scaffolds and promoted protein adsorption. Live/dead staining and lactate dehydrogenase release assays confirmed that CNF did not inhibit cellular viability. The CNF between the 3D printed PCL strands and pores acted as a hydrophilic barrier, enhancing cell seeding efficiency and proliferation. CNF supported the formation of a well-organized actin cytoskeleton and cellular production of vinculin protein on the surfaces of TCP and PCL scaffolds.Moreover, CNF-coated surfaces enhanced not only alkaline phosphatase activity, but also collagen Type-I and mineral formation. It is concluded that CNF coating enhances cell attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation and has the potential to improve the performance of 3D printed PCL scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Effects of electromagnetic fields treatment on rat critical-sized calvarial defects with a 3D-printed composite scaffold

“…Researchers have been working on improving these two potentials in different approaches. Rashad et al improved the proliferation of seeded MSCs via coating the scaffold with cellulose nanofibrils material [ 36 ]. Tiffany et al promoted the osteogenic differentiation of seeded porcine dipose derived stem cells by fabricating a zinc functionalized scaffold [ 37 ].…”

Nanocellulose in Biotechnology and Medicine: Focus on Skin Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing

“…This coating substantially accelerated the attachment, spreading, proliferation and differentiation of mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblast progenitor cells in vitro, and also mineralization of the extracellular matrix deposited by these cells [183]. Similarly, coating 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds with wood-derived hydrophilic cellulose nanofibrils enhanced the attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [27].…”

Tissue Engineering: Understanding the Role of Biomaterials and Biophysical Forces on Cell Functionality Through Computational and Structural Biotechnology Analytical Methods

“…Typically, natural and synthetic composites have been designed with the aim of bolstering the stability and robust mechanical properties of synthetic materials with the cell adhesive and cell instructive cues of natural polymers. For example, PCL has been combined with a wide range of natural biomaterials including collagen [ 77 ], gelatin [ 83 , 84 ], hyaluronic acid [ 85 ], and cellulose [ 86 ]. The myriad of all combinations of synthetic-natural composite combinations in the TE field are vast; a comprehensive list is beyond the scope of this mini-review.…”