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Success of 3D tissue substitutes in clinical applications depends on the presence of vascular networks in their structure. Accordingly, research in tissue engineering is focused on the stimulation of angiogenesis or generation of a vascular network in the scaffolds prior to implantation. A novel, xeno-free, collagen/hyaluronic acid-based poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLC/COL/HA) (20/9.5/0.5 w/w/w) microfibrous scaffold was produced by electrospinning. Collagen types I and III, and hyaluronic acid were isolated from human umbilical cords and blended with the GMP grade PLC. When compared with PLC scaffolds the PLC/COL/HA had higher water uptake capacity (103% vs 66%) which may have contributed to the decrease in its Young's Modulus (from 1.31 to 0.89 MPa). The PLC/COL/HA better supported adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AT MSC) adhesion; within 24 h the cell number on the PLC/COL/HA scaffolds was 3 fold higher. Co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and AT MSCs induced capillary formation on both scaffold types, but the PLC/COL/HA led to formation of interconnected vessels whose total length was 1.6 fold of the total vessel length on PLC. Clinical use of this scaffold would eliminate the immune response triggered by xenogeneic collagen and transmission of animal-borne diseases while promoting a better vascular network formation., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cell-material surface interaction plays a critical role in osseointegration of prosthetic implants used in orthopedic surgeries and dentistry. Different technical approaches exist to improve surface properties of such implants either by coating or by modification of their topography. Femtosecond laser treatment was used in this study to generate microspotted lines separated by 75, 125, or 175μm wide nanostructured interlines on stainless steel (316L) plates. The hydrophobicity and carbon content of the metallic surface were improved simultaneously through this method. In vitro testing of the laser treated plates revealed a significant improvement in adhesion of human endothelial cells and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM MSCs), the cells involved in microvessel and bone formation, respectively, and a significant decrease in fibroblast adhesion, which is implicated in osteolysis and aseptic loosening of prostheses. The hBM MSCs showed an increased bone formation rate on the laser treated plates under osteogenic conditions; the highest mineral deposition was obtained on the surface with 125μm interline distance (292±18mg/cm(2) vs. 228±43mg/cm(2) on untreated surface). Further in vivo testing of these laser treated surfaces in the native prosthetic implant niche would give a real insight into their effectiveness in improving osseointegration and their potential use in clinical applications., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)