Analysis of cell-biomaterial interaction through cellular bridge formation in the interface between hGMSCs and CaP bioceramics.

Abstract

The combination of biomaterials and stem cells for clinical applications constitute a great challenge in bone tissue engineering. Hence, cellular networks derived from cells-biomaterials crosstalk have a profound infuence on cell behaviour and communication, preceding proliferation and diferentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro cellular networks derived from human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) and calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramic interaction. Biological performance of CaP bioceramic and hGMSCs interaction was evaluated through cell adhesion and distribution, cellular proliferation, and potential osteogenic diferentiation, at three diferent times: 5 h, 1 week and 4 weeks. Results confrmed that hGMSCs met the required MSCs criteria while displaying osteogenic diferentiaton capacities. We found a signifcant increase of cellular numbers and proliferation levels. Also, protein and mRNA OPN expression were upregulated in cells cultured with CaP bioceramic by day 21, suggesting an osteoinductible efect of the CaP bioceramic on hGMSCs. Remarkably, CaP bioceramic aggregations were obtained through hGMSCs bridges, suggesting the in vitro potential of macrostructures formation. We conclude that hGMSCs and CaP bioceramics with micro and macropores support hGMSC adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic diferentiation. Our results suggest that investigations focused on the interface cells-biomaterials are essential for bone tissue regenerative therapies