The Combined Thermoresponsive Cell-Imprinted Substrate, Induced Differentiation, and "KLC Sheet" Formation

Stem cells can exhibit restorative effects with the commitment to functional cells. Cell-imprinted topographies provide adaptable templates and certain dimensions for the differentiation and bioactivity of stem cells. Cell sheet technology using the thermo-responsive polymers detaches the "cell sheets" easier with less destructive effects on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we aim to dictate keratinocyte-like differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by using combined cell imprinting and sheet technology.

We developed the poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) substrate having keratinocyte cell-imprinted topography grafted with the PNIPAAm polymer. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) were cultured on PDMS substrate for 14 days and keratinocyte-like differentiation monitored via the expression of involucrin, P63, and cytokeratin 14.

Data showed the efficiency of the current protocol in the fabrication of PDMS molds. The culture of AT-MSCs induced typical keratinocyte morphology and up-regulated the expression of cytokeratin-14, Involucrin, and P63 compared to AT-MSCs cultured on the plastic surface (p<0.05). Besides, KLC sheets were generated once slight changes occur in the environment temperature.

These data showed the hypothesis that keratinocyte cell imprinted substrate can orient AT-MSCs toward KLCs by providing a specific niche and topography.