Measuring stem cell dimensionality in tissue scaffolds

Many scaffold systems have evolved for tissue engineering and in vitro tissue models to provide a 3D (three-dimensional) microenvironment that enables cells to behave more physiologically. We hypothesized that cells would adopt morphologies with more 3D character during culture in scaffolds as compared to planar substrates. Cell shape and function are tightly linked and effects of scaffold niche properties on cell shape and dimensionality are important for directing cell function. Herein, primary human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) were cultured in 6 different scaffolds and on a planar control substrate. hBMSCs were imaged using 3D confocal microscopy, and 3D image analyses were used to assess hBMSC shape and dimensionality. A characteristic gyration tensor ellipsoid was calculated for hBMSCs in the different scaffolds which enabled hBMSC dimensionality to be classified based on shape. A “Dimensionality Matrix” was developed that showed that hBMSC shape and dimensionality were influenced by scaffold properties, and that scaffolds could drive hBMSCs into 1D, 2D or 3D shapes. In addition, the hBMSC Z-Depth was measured to determine if hBMSCs became less flat during culture in scaffolds. Z-Depth results showed that all 6 scaffolds caused an increase in cell Z-Depth compared to the 2D planar substrate. These results demonstrate that hBMSCs take on morphologies with greater 3D character in scaffolds than on a planar substrate and that scaffold properties can be adjusted to modify cell dimensionality. In addition, biomaterialists can use this measurement approach to assess and compare scaffold design modifications as they strive to create optimal cell niches that provide a 3D microenvironment.