Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are important in tissue engineering due to their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Owing to their regenerative properties, they are frequently used in bone tissue regeneration research. Electrospun nanofibers (NFs) are commonly used to support MSC growth, adhesion, and directed differentiation. Their structure mimics the extracellular matrix and provides a large specific surface area for interactions with cells. The aim of this master’s thesis was to determine whether the presence of NFs affects the osteogenic differentiation capacity of MSCs. Polycaprolactone (PCL) NFs were prepared by electrospinning using a mixture of dimethylformamide (DMF) and dichloromethane (DCM) as the solvent. NFs of different thicknesses were used, with their thickness controlled by varying the electrospinning time of a 12% PCL solution. The resulting NFs were analysed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Primary MSCs were seeded onto the prepared NFs, and their osteogenic differentiation capacity was evaluated. Appropriate control samples were also included for comparison. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red S staining and quantitative measurement of the absorbance of the extracted dye. We found that NFs promote the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, with a more pronounced effect observed at greater NF thickness. The results indicate that the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs can be influenced through the appropriate design of PCL NF properties, opening up possibilities for the further development and optimisation of NF scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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