Abstract
The aim of this study was to exploit silk fibroin’s properties to develop innovative
composite microcarriers for mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) adhesion and proliferation. Alginate
microcarriers were prepared, added to silk fibroin solution, and then treated with ethanol to
induce silk conformational transition. Microcarriers were characterized for size distribution, coating
stability and homogeneity. Finally, in vitro cytocompatibility and suitability as delivery systems
for MSCs were investigated. Results indicated that our manufacturing process is consistent and
reproducible: silk/alginate microcarriers were stable, with spherical geometry, about 400 µm in
average diameter, and fibroin homogeneously coated the surface. MSCs were able to adhere rapidly
onto the microcarrier surface and to cover the surface of the microcarrier within three days of culture;
moreover, on this innovative 3D culture system, stem cells preserved their metabolic activity and
their multi-lineage differentiation potential. In conclusion, silk/alginate microcarriers represent a
suitable support for MSCs culture and expansion. Since it is able to preserve MSCs multipotency,
the developed 3D system can be intended for cell delivery, for advanced therapy and regenerative
medicine applications.
composite microcarriers for mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) adhesion and proliferation. Alginate
microcarriers were prepared, added to silk fibroin solution, and then treated with ethanol to
induce silk conformational transition. Microcarriers were characterized for size distribution, coating
stability and homogeneity. Finally, in vitro cytocompatibility and suitability as delivery systems
for MSCs were investigated. Results indicated that our manufacturing process is consistent and
reproducible: silk/alginate microcarriers were stable, with spherical geometry, about 400 µm in
average diameter, and fibroin homogeneously coated the surface. MSCs were able to adhere rapidly
onto the microcarrier surface and to cover the surface of the microcarrier within three days of culture;
moreover, on this innovative 3D culture system, stem cells preserved their metabolic activity and
their multi-lineage differentiation potential. In conclusion, silk/alginate microcarriers represent a
suitable support for MSCs culture and expansion. Since it is able to preserve MSCs multipotency,
the developed 3D system can be intended for cell delivery, for advanced therapy and regenerative
medicine applications.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-18 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 23 2017 |
Keywords
- alginate
- mesenchymal stem cells
- microcarriers
- musculoskeletal tissues
- regenerative medicine
- silk fibroin