Effect of scaffold properties on adhesion and maintenance of boundary cap neural crest stem cells in vitro.

Optimal combination of stem cells and biocompatible support material is a promising strategy for successful tissue engineering. The required differentiation of stem cells is crucial for functionality of engineered tissues and can be regulated by chemical and physical cues. Here we examined how boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) are affected when cultured in the same medium, but on collagen- or laminin-polyacrylamide (PAA) scaffolds of different stiffness (0.5, 1, or ~7 kPa). bNCSCs displayed marked differences in their ability to attach, maintain a large cell population and differentiate, depending on scaffold stiffness. These findings show that the design of physical cues is an important parameter to achieve optimal stem cell properties for tissue repair and engineering.