Gradient patterning and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on micropatterned polymer surface

A micropatterned surface with different area ratios of cell-adhesive to nonadhesive surfaces was prepared by micropatterning poly(vinyl alcohol) on a polystyrene plate using photolithography. A gradient pattern of mesenchymal stem cells of different cell densities was generated by culturing the cells on a micropatterned surface. The effects of the cell density gradient on cell functions such as proliferation and differentiation were investigated. Cells seeded at a low density proliferated faster than cells seeded at a high density. Although mesenchymal stem cells seeded at both low and high densities showed osteogenic differentiation, the higher cell seeding density could initiate osteogenic differentiation at a faster rate than the low cell density. And high cell density was required to induce chondrogenic differentiation.