Influence of three-dimensional scaffold on the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers by human dermal fibroblasts

Current research in the field of tissue engineering utilizes biomaterial scaffolds, cells, and growth factors for the creation of a functional, biologically active tissue. This study examined the effect of two commercially available, three-dimensional scaffolds, ultraporous β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics (β-TCP, Vitoss) and open-celled poly(lactic acid) foams (OPLA, Drilac), on the osteogenic differentiation potential of human dermal fibroblasts. Serum-free, chemically-defined medium containing the metabolic factor 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was used to promote an osteogenic phenotype in these cells. Osteoblast differentiation was assessed using PCR and immunohistochemical methods to detect gene and protein expression for the osteoblast markers alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. Dermal fibroblasts cultured on β-TCP scaffolds in chemically-defined medium with vitamin D3 exhibited up-regulated gene and protein expression compared to cells cultured on OPLA scaffolds. These results suggest that Vitoss (β-TCP) scaffolds seeded with dermal fibroblasts and maintained in chemically-defined medium with vitamin D3 are better suited for bone tissue engineering applications than Drilac (OPLA) foams.