Nanofibers coated on acellular tissue-engineered bovine pericardium supports differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells for tissue engineering

Aim: This study aimed to develop biodegradable, polymer-based nanofibers coated on acellular tissue-engineered bovine pericardium (ATEBP) for cell interfaces, enabling more exquisite functionality, such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adhesion, proliferation and differentiation into endothelial cells for tissue engineering. Materials & methods: ATEBP coated with nanofibers of poly(L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLACL) and a blend of PLACL and gelatin were analyzed for human bone marrow-derived MSC adhesion, proliferation and differentiation into endothelial cells. Results: The cell culture-based approach showed an increase in human bone marrow-derived MSC adhesion, proliferation and differentiation into endothelial cells on ATEBP coated with PLACL/gelatin nanofibers compared with ATEBP and PLACL nanofibers coated on ATEBP. Conclusion: ATEBP coated with PLACL/gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds, along with human bone marrow-derived MSCs differentiated into endothelial cells, might improve the scaffolds' functionality for tissue engineering. Original submitted 5 July 2012; Revised submitted 24 January 201. © 2014 Future Medicine Ltd.