Proliferation and Osteoblastic Differentiation of hMSCs on Cellulose-Based Hydrogels

Purpose The aim of this project was to study the proliferation and differentiation of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) onto a cellulose-based hydrogel for bone tissue engineering. Methods Modified-cellulose hydrogel was prepared via double esterification crosslinking using citric acid. The response of hMSCs in terms of cell proliferation and differentiation into osteoblastic phenotype was evaluated by using Alamar blue™ assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Results The results showed that CMCNa and CMCNa_CA have no negative effect on hMSC, adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, the increase of the ALP expression for CMCNa_CA confirms the ability of the hydrogels to support the osteoblastic differentiation. Conclusions The cellulose-based hydrogels have a potential application as filler in bone tissue regeneration.