Effects of barium titanate nanoparticles on proliferation and differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells

► Biocompatibility of glycol-chitosan coated barium titanate nanoparticles on mesenchimal stem cells is proposed. ► Internalization is investigated with SEM and TEM microscopy. ► Cell mechanical properties upon nanoparticle internalization are investigated with AFM analysis. ► Differentiation in osteoblasts and adipocytes is evaluated in the presence of increasing concentrations of nanoparticles.