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Modification of the Alginate Hydrogel With Fibroblast- and Schwann Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Potentiates Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Toward Neuron-Like Cells Publisher



Ayar Z1 ; Shafieian M1 ; Sabzevari O2, 3 ; Hassannejad Z4
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Toxicology and Poisoning Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published:2022


Abstract

The loss of neurons is one of the most irreversible phenomena in traumatic injuries to the central nervous system (CNS). One of the recent approaches to replace the lost neurons is delivering stem cells to the lesion area and differentiating them using biodegradable scaffolds. Alginate has been known as an efficient hydrogel for this target. However, its bioactivity needs to be improved to promote cell adhesion/differentiation. In this study, alginate hydrogel was synthesized and optimized regarding mechanical properties of the CNS, and its bioactivity was improved using Schwann cell- and fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (ECM). The results of immunostaining showed higher differentiation efficacy on ECM-modified hydrogels than controls. Although secreted protein content by fibroblast was 12.01 ± 2.09 folds higher than Schwann cells, no significant difference was observed between the differentiation potential of ECM-modified hydrogels. Accordingly, both ECM-modified hydrogels can be an appropriate scaffold to promote differentiation toward neuron-like cells and, subsequently, nerve regeneration. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.