Nanostructured scaffold as a determinant of stem cell fate

Abstract

The functionality of stem cells is tightly regulated by cues from the niche, comprising both intrinsic and extrinsic cell signals. Besides chemical and growth factors, biophysical signals are important components of extrinsic signals that dictate the stem cell properties. The materials used in the fabrication of scaffolds provide the chemical cues whereas the shape of the scaffolds provides the biophysical cues. The effect of the chemical composition of the scaffolds on stem cell fate is well researched. Biophysical signals such as nanotopography, mechanical forces, stiffness of the matrix, and roughness of the biomaterial influence the fate of stem cells. However, not much is known about their role in signaling crosstalk, stem cell maintenance, and directed differentiation. Among the various techniques for scaffold design, nanotechnology has special significance. The role of nanoscale topography in scaffold design for the regulation of stem cell behavior has gained importance in regenerative medicine. Nanotechnology allows manipulation of highly advanced surfaces/scaffolds for optimal regulation of cellular behavior. Techniques such as electrospinning, soft lithography, microfluidics, carbon nanotubes, and nanostructured hydrogel are described in this review, along with their potential usage in regenerative medicine. We have also provided a brief insight into the potential signaling crosstalk that is triggered by nanomaterials that dictate a specific outcome of stem cells. This concise review compiles recent developments in nanoscale architecture and its importance in directing stem cell differentiation for prospective therapeutic applications.

Hybrid Complexes of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronans Highly Enhance HASCs Differentiation: Implication for Facial Bioremodelling

“…In the last decade, many studies have shown the possibility of using stem cells associated with hydrogels or scaffolds in tissue engineering [28,29]. Outstanding interest was reserved to the hydrogels that were based on hyaluronic acid [30][31][32], a natural component of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, that has several activities [33].…”

Biomechanical Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering

“…Micro‐ and nanotopological features are present in native ECM and can alter cell alignment and phenotype . Cells interact with the features of ECM via a host of cell‐surface receptors, including integrins, growth factor receptors, and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans .…”

“…Substrates with micro‐ and nanotopography seek to mimic the patterns found in native ECM and have shown promise as tools for altering cellular phenotype . Fabrication techniques can be used to create features including parallel grooves, posts, convex and concave microlenses, and pits, that vary in dimensions, stiffness, and material composition. The nanopatterns and substrate stiffness provide biophysical cues that may be similar to those provided by the native fibrillar structure of ECM components.…”

Substrate Curvature Restricts Spreading and Induces Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…The geometry of a substrate also determines the orientation and rate of cell growth . As we know, the three‐dimensional (3D) micromechanical environment of a cell in in vivo, the surfaces of the various developed scaffolds for cellular studies and tissue engineering, and the surfaces of the various developed microcarriers for cell culturing are normally not flat or are normally curved. Since the surface curvature of a substrate is a major descriptive parameter of the geometry of the substrate, studies on the cellular responses to the surface curvature of a substrate are necessary for understanding the cellular behaviors in 3D micromechanical environments and for designing effective and efficient 3D micromechanical environments to control cell and tissue developments.…”