Investigation of the role of alginate containing high guluronic acid on osteogenic differentiation capacity of human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Background and aim: Cell encapsulation using biodegradable material has promising results for tissue engineering. Since pressure is an effective factor on stem cell behaviour and various concentrations of alginate create different pressures on the cells, therefore our goal was to evaluate the mechanical effect of 1/2% (w/v) and 1/8% (w/v) alginate containing high guluronic acid on viability and osteogenic capacity of HUCWJ cells.

Methods: Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay after 1, 7 and 14 days. Alkaline phosphatase activity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase assay kit after 14 and 21 days. Alizarin red S staining was performed for calcium deposition among histological section.

Results: MTT assay showed significant difference in the mean of viability rates between groups in day 14 (p < 0.05). Alizarin red S staining was higher in the group 1.8%. In addition, there was statistically significant higher ALP activity in the group 1.8% compared to the group 1.2%.

Keywords:

• Human Wharton’s jelly
• mesenchymal stem cell
• alginate
• osteogenic differentiation

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of medical Sciences for kindly support and also would like to express their gratitude to Imam Khomeini Hospital for collaboration.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was extracted from thesis of Rezvan Habibi and was supported by a Grant (CMRC-9433) from the research council of the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.