Comparative study of three types of polymer materials co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for use as a myocardial patch in cardiomyocyte regeneration

The purpose of this study was to investigate the most suitable polymer material for supporting stem cell growth as a myocardial patch. After cell isolation and expansion of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), the cells were induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes with 5-azacytidine to determine their differentiation potential. BMSCs were also seeded onto three types of polymer material film, including polyurethane (PU), 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB-co-4HB)], and polypropylene carbonate (PPC). The results revealed that cell numbers were more abundant on both the PU and P(3HB-co-4HB) material surfaces. Conversely, the surface of PPC was smooth with only cell lysate debris observed. The average cell counts were as follows: 143.78 ± 38.38 (PU group), 159.50 ± 33.07 [P(3HB-co-4HB) group], and 1.40 ± 0.70 (PPC group). There was no statistically significant difference in cell numbers between the PU and P(3HB-co-4HB) groups. A statistically significant difference was identified between the PPC group and both the PU (P1) and P(3HB-co-4HB) groups (P2). Polymer biomaterial patches composed of PU and P(3HB-co-4HB) permit good stem cell growth. P(3HB-co-4HB) has the potential for development as a clinical alternative to current treatment methods for the regeneration of cardiomyocytes in patients with myocardial infarction.