Controlling Major Cellular Processes of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells using Microwell Structures

Xun Xu, Weiwei Wang, Karl Kratz, Liang Fang, Zhengdong Li, Andreas Kurtz, Nan Ma, Andreas Lendlein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Directing stem cells towards a desired location and function by utilizing the structural cues of biomaterials is a promising approach for inducing effective tissue regeneration. Here, the cellular response of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) to structural signals from microstructured substrates comprising arrays of square-shaped or round-shaped microwells is explored as a transitional model between 2D and 3D systems. Microwells with a side length/diameter of 50 μm show advantages over 10 μm and 25 μm microwells for accommodating hADSCs within single microwells rather than in the inter-microwell area. The cell morphologies are three-dimensionally modulated by the microwell structure due to differences in focal adhesion and consequent alterations of the cytoskeleton. In contrast to the substrate with 50 μm round-shaped microwells, the substrate with 50 μm square-shaped microwells promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of hADSCs but reduces the cell migration velocity and distance. Such microwell shape-dependent modulatory effects are highly associated with Rho/ROCK signaling.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1991-2003
Number of pages13
JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials
Volume3
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Differentiation
  • Mesenchymal stem cells
  • Microwells
  • Migration

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Controlling Major Cellular Processes of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells using Microwell Structures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this