Concurrent effects of piezoelectricity and hydrostatic pressure on chondrogenic differentiation of stem

Synchronized effects of piezoelectricity and hydrostatic pressure on chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells have been studied. Cells were seeded onto scaffolds and exposed to hydrostatic pressure (HP) (5 MPa, 0.5 Hz, 1 h/day) for 7 days. Glycosaminoglycan synthesis was higher in piezoelectric scaffolds comparing non-piezoelectric ones either with or without HP. SOX9 mRNA level was promoted in the concurrent presence of piezoelectricity and HP. Aggrecan (AGG) mRNA level was enhanced in the presence of hydrostatic pressure but not piezoelectricity and type II collagen (COL II) was irrespective of either piezoelectricity or HP. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.