A cost-effective and enhanced mesenchymal stem cell expansion platform with internal plasma-activated biofunctional interfaces.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) used for clinical applications require expansion to achieve therapeutically relevant numbers. However, conventional planar cell expansion approaches using tissue culture vessels are inefficient, costly, and can trigger MSC phenotypic and functional decline. Here we present a one-step dry plasma process to modify the internal surfaces of three-dimensional (3D) printed, high surface area to volume ratio (high-SA:V) porous scaffolds as platforms for stem cell expansion.