TiO2 Scaffolds Sustain Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate distribution, growth and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts over time using an agitated seeding method into highly porous TiO2 scaffolds. Cells penetrated into the core of the 3D scaffold structure as confirmed with confocal microscopy analysis. DNA quantification and scanning electron microscopy confirmed a good proliferation of cells on the TiO2 scaffolds. Moreover, time course of gene expression profile of cell adhesion (fibronectin and integrins) and osteoblast phenotypic markers (collagen type 1, bone morphogenetic protein 2, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin and osteocalcin) showed a good progression in the sequential stages of osteoblast differentiation, i.e., initial adhesion and proliferation, extracellular matrix maturation and mineralization. This was followed by an increase in ALP activity and calcium content after 21 days, the hallmark of osteoblast function. Taking all these results together, TiO2 scaffolds have shown to sustain MC3T3-E1 growth towards a mature and differentiated state.