Surface patterning: Tool to modulate stem cell differentiation in an adipose system

There are several issues that need to be better understood before breast tissue-engineering becomes viable clinically. One of the key issues is the interaction between cells and the microtopography of the implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of D1 cells, multipotent mouse bone marrow stromal precursors, in differentiating to fat and to characterize their metabolic activity (lactic acid released and glucose consumed) and lipid production when cultured on patterned poly-L-lactide (PLLA) films. It was determined that, with appropriate stimulation, the D1 cells displayed morphological characteristics of adipocytes and produced lipid. The results show that the patterned surfaces did affect the rate of lipid production. Polynomial models were proposed to predict the metabolic activity of the cells over a period of time. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.