Functionalized Scaffold for in Situ Efficient Gene Transfection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Spheroids toward Chondrogenesis

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b12268
• Publication Date: 2018-09-12T11:45:30Z
• Authors: Kunxi Zhang; Haowei Fang; Yechi Qin; Lili Zhang; Jingbo Yin
• Keywords: Spheroid; Chondrogenesis

Multicellular mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids possess enhanced chondrogenesis ability and limited fibrosis, exhibiting advantage toward hyaline-like cartilage regeneration. However, because of the surfaces in spheroid exposed to DNA/vector, it is difficult realize efficient gene transfection, most which highly rely on cell-substrate interaction. Here, we report a poly(l-glutamic acid)-based porous scaffold with tunable inner that can sequentially cell-scaffold attachment detachment, as well followed situ formation. The detachment cells from achieved by capture release fibronectin (Fn) via reversible imine linkage between aromatic aldehyde groups amino Fn. Together N, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride condensing plasmid DNA encoding transforming growth factor-β1 (pDNA-TGF-β1), realizes surface-mediated transfection. Conversion stiffness affect adhesion shape cells. Stiffer reinforces adhesion, leading amplification peripheral focal adhesions promotion spreading, transfection efficiency. After cellular lysine treatment, subsequent formation extensive cell-cell interaction up-regulates corresponding protein expression prolonged term. With induction effect expressed TGF-β1, significantly MSCs at 10 d vitro. Well-regenerated 8 weeks vivo indicates present system platform be potentially applied tissue engineering.