How Mechanical and Physicochemical Material Characteristics Influence Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Fate

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells. Compared to bone marrow-derived stem cells, they can be harvested with minimal invasiveness. ASCs can be easily expanded and were shown to be able to differentiate into several clinically relevant cell types. Therefore, this cell type represents a promising component in various tissue engineering and medical approaches (e.g., cell therapy). In vivo cells are surrounded by the extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides a wide range of tissue-specific physical and chemical cues, such as stiffness, topography, and chemical composition. Cells can sense the characteristics of their ECM and respond to them in a specific cellular behavior (e.g., proliferation or differentiation). Thus, in vitro biomaterial properties represent an important tool to control ASCs behavior. In this review, we give an overview of the current research in the mechanosensing of ASCs and current studies investigating the impact of material stiffens, topography, and chemical modification on ASC behavior. Additionally, we outline the use of natural ECM as a biomaterial and its interaction with ASCs regarding cellular behavior.

Automated summary

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising cell type in tissue engineering and medical approaches. They can be easily obtained and expanded, and have the ability to differentiate into clinically relevant cell types. The extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells provides physical and chemical cues that influence ASC behavior. This review provides an overview of current research on ASC mechanosensing and the impact of biomaterial properties on ASC behavior, including stiffness, topography, and chemical modification. The use of natural ECM as a biomaterial and its interaction with ASC behavior are also discussed.