From a Chemical Matrix to Biologically/Biomechanically-Defined Matrices-Optimizing/Correlating Growth Rate and Differentiation Potential of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Use of Adipose Stem Cells (ADSCs), obtained easily in a relatively less invasive manner (abdominoplasty) and characterized by flow cytometry, is a classical approach in stem cell research and clinical aspects. Other techniques such as isolation of the cells from bone marrow aspirates (1) are rather more invasive. Further, it is pertinent to point out that growth rate, differentiation potential and functions are better in abdominal Adipose Stem Cells (ADSCs), in comparison with those isolated from the Visceral Omental Pads. Such changes are attributable to these cells retaining the memory of their sites of origin (2). Furthermore, their other features of having the potential to differentiate into a number of lineages coupled with their immunomodulatory, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects puts ADSCs as the prominent cell type in stem cell research and clinical aspects. The authors have chosen alginate (specific M/G ratio)-gelatin composite hydrogel, with favourable charge properties, to demonstrate an increased growth rate and differentiation potential (50:50 ratio better than the 70:30 ratio) (1) Gelatin is widely accepted as a biocompatible, biodegradable, cost-effective substratum for cell growth...