Integrating Soft Hydrogel with Nanostructures Reinforces Stem Cell Adhesion and Differentiation

Biophysical cues can regulate stem cell behaviours and have been considered as critical parameters of synthetic biomaterials for tissue engineering. In particular, hydrogels utilized promising biomimetic biocompatible materials to emulate the microenvironment. Therefore, well-defined mechanical properties a hydrogel are important direct desirable phenotypes cells. Yet, limited research pays attention engineering soft with improved adhesive property, which is crucial differentiation. Herein, we introduce silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) onto surface methacrylated hyaluronic (MeHA) manipulate presentation ligands (RGD) clusters, while remaining similar bulk (2.79 ± 0.31 kPa) that MeHA (3.08 0.68 kPa). RGD peptides either randomly decorated in network or on immobilized SiO2 NPs (forming MeHA–SiO2). Our results showed human mesenchymal cells exhibited ~1.3-fold increase percentage initial attachment, ~2-fold spreading area, enhanced expressions early-stage osteogenic markers (RUNX2 alkaline phosphatase) undergoing differentiation medium MeHA–SiO2 hydrogel, compared those cultured hydrogel. Importantly, cultivated expressed ~5-fold nuclear localization ratio yes-associated protein, known be mechanosensory cells, thereby promoting These findings demonstrate potential use nanomaterials into polymeric matrix adhesion provide valuable guidance rational design implantation.