Soft matrix supports osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells

► Rigid stiffness supports osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). ► Our study examined stiffness and differentiation of dental follicle cells (DFCs). ► Soft ECMs have a superior capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs. ► DFCs and MSCs react contrarily to soft and rigid surface stiffness. The differentiation of stem cells can be directed by the grade of stiffness of the developed tissue cells. For example a rigid extracellular matrix supports the osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, less is known about the relation of extracellular matrix stiffness and cell differentiation of ectomesenchymal dental precursor cells. Our study examined for the first time the influence of the surface stiffness on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells (DFCs). Cell proliferation of DFCs was only slightly decreased on cell culture surfaces with a bone-like stiffness. The osteogenic differentiation in DFCs could only be initiated with a dexamethasone based differentiation medium after using varying stiffness. Here, the softest surface improved the induction of osteogenic differentiation in comparison to that with the highest stiffness. In conclusion, different to bone marrow derived MSCs, soft ECMs have a superior capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs.