Proliferation of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate sponges.

A three dimensional scaffold is essential in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivery in cell-based therapy for facilitating cell adherence, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the possibility of β-tricalcium phosphate incorporated gelatin sponges (Gelatin/β-TCP sponge) as scaffolds for equine MSCs and to examine the effects of seeding density and seeding method on the proliferation of equine MSCs in the Gelatin/β-TCP sponges. Mononuclear cells and MSCs isolated from bone marrow were seeded into Gelatin/β-TCP sponges at different densities by different seeding methods-static or agitated methods. Proliferation of the MSCs in Gelatin/β-TCP was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and histological examination. Distribution and proliferation of MSCs in the Gelatin/β-TCP sponge were observed, and the Gelatin/β-TCP sponge supported limited growth when seeded at high density. We also found that the agitated seeding method enhanced the proliferation of MSCs. This study demonstrated the suitability of Gelatin/β-TCP sponges for the proliferation and maintenance of equine MSCs. These results contribute to the application of MSC-seeded Gelatin/β-TCP sponges in equine medicine.