Characterization of the differentiation and leptin secretion profile of adult stem cells on patterned polylactide films.

Several issues need to be better understood before breast tissue engineering becomes a clinically viable option. One of the most important aspects is the interaction between cells and the microtopography of the implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of D1 cells, multipotent mouse bone marrow stromal precursors, in differentiating to adipocytes and to characterize their metabolic activity (lactic acid released and glucose consumed), leptin secretion and lipid production when cultured on patterned poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) films. It was determined that, by appropriate stimulation, the D1 cells displayed morphological characteristics of adipocytes and produced lipid. The results showed that a patterned surface did affect the rate of lipid production. Polynomial models were proposed to predict the amount of leptin secreted by the cells over a period of time.