Optimization of fibrin microbeads used in cartilage formation with two stem cell populations

Authors

• SK Pyatt
• PG Robey

Abstract

Cartilage defects are particularly complex to treat due to their inability to self-heal, often rendering medicinal and surgical approaches entirely insufficient. The use of stem cells is increasingly viewed as a promising approach to encourage cartilage regeneration, and currently two populations are under investigation. Human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs), a subset of which are skeletal stem cells (SSCs) have previously shown promise as a source for cells in cartilage reconstruction when attached to hyaluronic acid-coated fibrin microbeads (HyA-FMBs), and transplanted subcutaneously, but do not form stable cartilage in injured articular cartilage. Rapid degradation of the HyA-FMBs in the injured joint was noted. Alternatively, the use of a biphasic BMP signaling pattern in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) resulted in creation of cells that form stable hyaline-like cartilage free from hypertrophy when attached to HyA-FMBs in the injured joint, although the organization of the cartilage is not the same as in uninjured articular tissue. While these results are encouraging, the current formulation of HyA-FMBs is highly variable in terms of material and degradation properties. Current studies seek to identify the most effective size, shape, and stiffness of HyA-FMBs in order to elucidate an ideal set of characteristics for the creation of these microbeads. These studies will improve the functionality of HyA-FMBs with hBMSCs and hiPSCs within the articular cartilage defects.

Scientific Focus Area: Biomedical Engineering and Biophysics

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