Application of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human foreskin onto a hydroxyapati̇te-graphene oxidechitosan tissue scaffold to accelerate cartilage regeneration

Aim: Regeneration problems in cartilage tissue highlight the importance of scaffolds that are biodegradable and incorporate stem cells for long-term effective solutions. Therefore, our aim with the scaffold we will develop is to promote cartilage regeneration and establish an appropriate treatment method for cartilage damage. Materials and Methods: A hydroxyapatite-graphene oxide-chitosan-based scaffold was created. Subsequently, mesenchymal stem cells derived from human foreskin were seeded onto the scaffold. The scaffolfd was incubated for 2 hours to facilitate stem cell-scaffold interaction. To differentiate the stem cells within the scaffold into chondrocytes, a cartilage differentiation medium was applied for 20 days. Histochemical analysis was performed using Alcian Blue to demonstrate the differentiation of stem cells into chondrocytes within the scaffold. Additionally, MTT analysis was conducted on days 1, 7, and 14 to assess cell viability within the scaffold. Findings: To demonstrate the differentiation of stem cells on the scaffold into chondrocytes, Alcian Blue staining was performed, with one differentiation group and one control group established. Comparing the results between the control group and the differentiation group, the nuclei of cells in the differentiation group were stained red, while their matrix was stained blue. However, no staining was observed in the control group. These findings indicate the presence of stem cells within the scaffold. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that mesenchymal stem cells derived from human foreskin differentiate into chondrocytes within the hydroxyapatite-graphene oxide-chitosan scaffold.