Substrate topography determines the fate of chondrogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells resulting in specific cartilage phenotype formation

Spatially-controlled nano-topography can be directly patterned onto a PCL surface via thermal nanoimprinting. This enables systematic study of the effect of nano-topography on MSC chondrogenic differentiation. Our results indicate that nano-topographical pattern triggers MSC change in morphology and cytoskeletal structure, affecting cell aggregation and differentiation, resulting in specific zonal cartilage formation. This study demonstrates the sensitivity of MSC differentiation to surface nano-topography and highlights the importance of incorporating topographical design in scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.68