Experimental studies on precartilaginous stem cells cultured withβ-tricalcium phosphate scaffold in vitro

Objective To observe the biological behavior of cultured pre-cartilaginous stem cells (PSCs) combined with β-tricalcium phosphate(β-TCP) scaffold and to investigate its feasibility for epiphyseal plate tissue engineering.Methods PSCs were isolated and purified using immunomagnetic microbeads,and were induced into chondrogenic differentiation.Collagen Ⅱ were detected by immunofluorescence staining,and extracellular matrix was detected by Toluidine Blue staining.Then the cells were seeded onto the scaffold and the effects of adhesion and morphological changes were observed by the phase-contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results The PSCs were successfully cultured in vitro.The induced cells showed positivity for Collagen Ⅱ and positive staining of extracellar matrix,and adhered to the surface of the scaffold and proliferated well.Conclusions PSCs could be effectively isolated and purified by immunomagnetic microbeads and induced into chondrogenic differentiation,and β-TCP scaffold loaded PSCs may be used in epiphyseal plate tissue engineering. Key words: Precartilagious stem cells;  β-tricalcium phosphate;  Epiphyseal plate;  Tissue engineering