Influences of Extracellular Matrix Properties and Flow Shear Stresses on Stem Cell Shape in a Three-Dimensional Dynamic Environment

Abstract

Collagen and ceramic matrices are extracellular scaffolds frequently used for bone tissue engineering. Human mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue with their unique properties for multipotent differentiation were cultured on a microporous collagen scaffold (Matriderm) and a macroporous ceramic scaffold (Sponceram) under static culture and in a dynamic flow environment in a laminar flow bioreactor. Both matrices differed in respect to cellular distribution after seeding which depended on pore size of the matrix. Cultivation under dynamic flow conditions influenced cellular morphology, collagen fiber alignment and extracellular matrix deposition compared to static culture. The flow rate had an effect on the amount of extracellular matrix formed by mesenchymal stem cells on the ceramic matrix. Further studies are necessary to reveal the ideal matrix and environmental culture conditions for bone tissue engineering.