Abstract

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary expertise that involves the use of nanoscaffolds for repairing, modifying, and removing tissue defects and formation of new tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into a variety of cell types, and they are attractive candidates for tissue engineering. In the current study, the electrospinning process was used for nanofiber preparation, based on a poly-l-lactic-acid (PLLA) polymer. The surface was treated with O-2 plasma to enhance hydrophilicity, cell attachment, growth, and differentiation potential. The nanoscaffolds were preconditioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to enhance induction of differentiation. The nanoscaffolds were categorized by contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The MTT assay was used to analyze the rate of growth and proliferation of cells. Osteogenic differentiation of cultured MSCs was evaluated on nanofibers using common osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium mineral deposition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemical analysis. Based on the in vitro results, primed MSCs with LPS on the PLLA nanoscaffold significantly enhanced the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Also, the combination of LPS and electrospun nanofibers can provide a new and suitable matrix to support stem cells' differentiation for bone tissue engineering.