Nanopatterned bioresorbable elastomeric scaffolds to promote neural, glial, and endothelial differentiation using human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells

Bioresorbable nanopatterned scaffolds functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) and graphene oxide (GO) have been shown to promote the differentiation of murine neural stem cells (mNSCs) toward neural and glial lineages. Herein, we aim to evaluate the compatibility of these scaffolds for the culture and differentiation of both human embryonic (hESCs) and induced pluripotent (hiPSCs) stem cells. Our results indicate that PDA and GO scaffolds support the topographic alignment of hESCs and hiPSCs cultures, while preserving their pluripotency characteristics. Upon differentiation, PDA and GO scaffolds guide cell specification toward the neuroectoderm germ layer and the neural crest. This promotes enhanced differentiation into both neural and supportive glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), as well as Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Moreover, nanopatterned scaffolds also support the differentiation of hESCs and hiPSCs toward endothelial precursors. These findings establish a novel culture platform that enables combined differentiation pathways, potentially relevant for applications in personalized medicine and regenerative cell therapy.