Stem Cells in Aggregate Form to Enhance Chondrogenesis in Hydrogels

Abstract

There are a variety of exciting hydrogel technologies being explored for cartilage regenerative medicine. Our overall goal is to explore whether using stem cells in an aggregate form may be advantageous in these applications. 3D stem cell aggregates hold great promise as they may recapitulate the in vivo skeletal tissue condensation, a property that is not typically observed in 2D culture. We considered two different stem cell sources, human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly cells (hWJCs, currently being used in clinical trials) and rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). The objective of the current study was to compare the influence of cell phenotype, aggregate size, and aggregate number on chondrogenic differentiation in a generic hydrogel (agarose) platform. Despite being differing cell sources, both rBMSC and hWJC aggregates were consistent in outperforming cell suspension control groups in biosynthesis and chondrogenesis. Higher cell density impacted biosynthesis favorably, and the number of aggregates positively influenced chondrogenesis. Therefore, we recommend that investigators employing hydrogels consider using cells in an aggregate form for enhanced chondrogenic performance.

Generation of Large‐Scale DNA Hydrogels with Excellent Blood and Cell Compatibility

“…[44] Recently, Li et al generated supramolecular polypeptide-DNA hydrogels and used them for the first time for in situ multilayer 3D bioprinting. [45] Furthermore, double network hydrogels were generated consisting of a DNA hydrogel and phenylalanine-functionalized carboxymethyl cellulose and cucurbit [8]uril (CB [8]). [46] Using this strategy, the structure and mechanical characteristics of the hydrogel could be maintained by the first network over longer period, whilst the second network (DNA hydrogel) is selectively degraded e.g., by specific enzymes.…”

Recent Advance in Source, Property, Differentiation, and Applications of Infrapatellar Fat Pad Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

“…Recent studies have shown that human second passage IPFP-ASC into the third passage IPFP-ASC requires approximately 48-60 h [26,36,38]. The total number of cells has a certain effect on cell proliferation capability, which may be related to intercellular communication and microenvironment [40,41]. We should pay attention to these factors in order to 3 Stem Cells International obtain more stem cells with strong proliferation capacity.…”

Up-Regulation of Superoxide Dismutase 2 in 3D Spheroid Formation Promotes Therapeutic Potency of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…Moreover, 3D spheroid culture improved the survival of stem cells after transplantation by upregulating the anti-apoptotic factor, Bcl-2, and downregulating other apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) [17,18]. Additionally, 3D spheroid formation enhanced the therapeutic potential of spheroid MSCs as increases have been observed in their angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties [16,17,[19][20][21].Recently, the application of aggregated adipose-derived stem cells (ACSC), bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs), and Wharton's jelly cells (WJCs) from umbilical cord demonstrated increased osteogenic and chondrogenic activity in osteochondral disease models [22][23][24][25][26]. Additionally, preclinical animal studies, whereby animals received transplantation of 3D spheroid UCB-MSCs in cases of liver disease, have reported increases of hepatic differentiation.…”

“…Recently, the application of aggregated adipose-derived stem cells (ACSC), bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs), and Wharton's jelly cells (WJCs) from umbilical cord demonstrated increased osteogenic and chondrogenic activity in osteochondral disease models [22][23][24][25][26]. Additionally, preclinical animal studies, whereby animals received transplantation of 3D spheroid UCB-MSCs in cases of liver disease, have reported increases of hepatic differentiation.…”