Effect of poly (L-lactide) nanofiber scaffolds on osteogenic differentiation of equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

This study was conducted to investigate the differentiation potential of equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell into bone in single-dimensional culture system (in plastic tissue culture) and in three-dimensional system (on poly-l-lactic acid scaffolds; PLLA). A porous structure that allows use of three-dimensional distribution and provides optimal growth of cells is of great clinical significance in the field of tissue engineering. In current study using equine adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), we intended to compare the osteogenic differentiation potential of PLLA nanofibrous scaffold with tissue culture plastic (TCP). Adipose tissues were collected from 3 adult horses, and ASCswere isolated by enzymatic digestion. PLLA nanofibrous scaffold was successfully prepared using a phase separation method. Viability and growth characteristics of ASCs on TCP and scaffold were investigated by tetrazolium (MTT) based colorimetric assay. Alizarin Red staining was performed for determination of calcium deposition following osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, other common osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium content were also analyzed. Our data showed that the PLLA scaffold had no detrimental effect on the cell growth rate as evaluated by MTT assay. However, ASCs that differentiated on PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds indicated higher ALP activity and more calcium content than that on TCP. Adequate proliferation rate and higher expression of osteogenic markers of stem cells cultured on PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds provide this scaffold as a suitable substrate to support proliferation and differentiation of ASCs in equine.