Proliferation and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells on naturally derived scaffolds

A tissue-engineered substitute that facilitates large-volume regeneration of the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer is needed for reconstructive plastic surgery. Towards this goal, we describe the in vitro culture of primary human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) seeded into placental decellular matrix (PDM) and cross-linked hyaluronan (XLHA) scaffolds. Specifically, we evaluated cellular proliferation and adipogenic differentiation in the PDM, XLHA, and PDM combined with XLHA scaffolds. Cellular proliferation, viability, and glucose consumption were determined prior to the induction of differentiation. Adipogenesis within each of the scaffolds was investigated through gene expression analysis using end point and real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicate that the cell-adhesive PDM scaffolds facilitated proliferation and viability, while differentiation was augmented when the cells were encapsulated in the non-adhesive XLHA gels.