We are interested in developing tissue engineering methodologies for the restoration of functional vocal fold lamina propria. In our initial investigation, human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were statically cultured in a composite micro-fibrous scaffold with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) supplemented in the media for 3 weeks. Our results demonstrate that the defined biochemical cue, combined with the fibrous scaffold, induces the fibroblastic differentiation of MSCs. Separately, we have designed a bioreactor capable of imposing physiologically-relevant, vibratory stimulations to the cultured cells. MSCs-laden electrospun scaffolds were incorporated into the bioreactor and were subjected to high frequency vibrations at 200 Hz for a total of 7 days. Cellular responses to the dynamic treatments were evaluated at gene and protein levels. Our results suggest that the fibrous scaffolds created a vocal fold-like niche allowing MSCs to respond to the vibration via an integrin-mediated mechanotransduction mechanism. Overall, the biochemical cue and vibratory stimulations are efficacious regulators of stem cell fate.

Vocal fold-mimetic environment for the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

244th National Meeting (2012)

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