Electrospun Nanostructured Heparin Conjugated-Poly-ε-Caprolactone Based Scaffold Promote Differentiation of Smooth Muscle Cells from Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background Tissue engineering integrating cell-based approaches is promising for urinary tract injury treatments. Purpose Exploring the Impact of Nanostructured Heparin Conjugated-Polycaprolactone (HPCL) on the differentiation of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) into Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs). Methods PCL nanofibers were produced by electrospinning and conjugated with heparin. The surface properties of the scaffolds were analyzed using FE-SEM for imaging, FTIR for investigation of chemical structure, assessments of surface roughness, thermomechanical characteristics, and the contact angle to evaluate wettability. The study included six groups; Group I: ADMSCs cells, Group II: ADMSCs seeded on PCL, Group III: ADMSCs seeded on HPCL, Group IV: SMCs cells, Group V: SMCs seeded on PCL, and Group VI: MSCs seeded on HPCL. SMCs differentiation was evaluated using specific genes and proteins. Results Immobilization of heparin was confirmed by amide I (3427cm−1) and it was significantly raised on HPCL scaffolds. SMCs + HPCL group revealed the highest cell viability and the most significant increase in differentiation-related genes and proteins at 7 days (p < 0.05). Conclusion HPCL nanofibers have an effect on SMCs differentiation, which are the functional units of the ureter. Therefore, they could represent a valuable tool for tissue engineering applications in ureter repair.