Table 3 The properties of biomaterials affecting the function of MSCs

Dimensionality

3D alginate micro-encapsulation versus 2D TCP

Human bone marrow

In vitro coculture with rat hippocampal slice

Reduced TNF-α and enhanced PGE-2 in the coculture slice

[108]

3D alginate hydrogel versus 2D TCP

Human adipose tissue

In vitro

Enhanced potential of suppressing the proliferation of PBMCs

[109]

HA hydrogel encapsulation versus free cells

Rat bone marrow

In vivo implantation into rat SCI model

Encapsulated MSCs reduced M1 macrophages

[110]

Stiffness

Fibrin hydrogel

Human bone marrow

In vitro

Changed elastic modulus of hydrogel and protein secretion levels of VEGF and PGE-2 by MSCs

[111]

Electrospun PCL fibrous scaffolds with random, aligned, and mesh-like fiber alignment

Rat adipose tissue

In vitro

MSCs on mesh-like fibers had the greatest potential of immunomodulation

[112]

Topographical cues: fiber alignment

Electrospun PLLA fibrous scaffolds with random or aligned fiber alignment

Human adipose tissue

In vitro

MSCs on aligned fibers had enhanced expression and secretion level of TSG-6 and COX-2

[113]

Ti-alloy disks with macro–micro-nanoscale-roughened surface or smooth surface

Human

In vitro

MSCs on rough surface had reduced secretion levels of proinflammatory gene expression

[114]

Topographical cues: surface roughness

Biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics with micro-nanoscale-roughened surface or smooth surface

Mouse bone marrow

In vitro

MSCs on rough surface had reduced expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines

[115]

Topographical cues: surface structure

Thermoplastic polyurethane plates with grid-like cavities or no-structure

Human bone marrow

In vitro

MSCs on grid-like structure had enhanced secretion levels of PGE-2 and IL-1RA

[116]

Biochemistry

HA with different molecular weights: 1.6 MDa, 150 kDa, or 7.5 kDa

Human bone marrow

In vitro

Molecular weight of HA had negligible effect on MSC expression levels of immune modulators

[117]

Micro-structure

Type-I collagen hydrogel, sponge and membrane

Neonatal rabbit bone marrow

In vitro

MSCs in a hydrogel that has the smallest pore size showed the greatest suppressive effect on the proliferation of PBMCs

[118]