Stem cells are a natural part of the human body’s regenerative processes, having the capability to self-renew and differentiate into many different types of tissue, depending on their environment. The mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness and texture) of a cell’s substrate have important implications on proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation during cell growth. Meanwhile, nanocellulose appears like the next generation biorefinery high value added product. This project’s aim is to develop a novel and innovative nanocellulose based substrate system with tunable mechanical or release properties that will affect the growth of stem cells on its surface. The nanocellulose based release system uses growth factor releasing CNF. In these first results, the release of bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model protein, from CNF and its effect on cytotoxicity was studied. Nanocellulose and ensuing materials were characterized with AFM, SEM-FEG, Mechanical properties (wet and dry) were measured and Stem cell proliferation study were performed.

Nanocellulose based materials for differentiating cell growth

251st National Meeting (2016)

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