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Platelets are a popular source of native growth factors for tissue engineering applications. The aim of the study was to verify the use of platelet lysate as a fetal bovine serum (FBS) replacement for skin cell culture. The cytokine content of the platelet lysate was characterized using the Bio-Plex system. The cells (fibroblasts, melanocytes, and keratinocytes) were cultured on PCL nanofibrous scaffolds to mimic their natural microenvironment. The cytokine content of the platelet lysate was determined, and to the cells, a medium containing platelet lysate or platelet lysate in combination with FBS was added. The results showed that 7% (v/v) platelet lysate was sufficient to supplement 10% (v/v) FBS in the culture of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The combination of platelet lysate and FBS had a rather inhibitory effect on fibroblasts, in contrary to keratinocytes, where the effect was synergic. Platelet lysate did not sufficiently promote proliferation in melanocytes; however, the combination of FBS and platelet lysate yielded a better outcome and resulted in bipolar morphology of the cultured melanocytes. The data indicated that platelet lysate improved cell proliferation and metabolic activity and may be used as an additive to the cell culture media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium and its alloys are widely used for substitution of hard tissues, especially in orthopaedic and dental surgery. Despite the benefit of the use of titanium for such applications, there are still questions which must be sorted out. Surface properties are crucial for cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Mainly, micro/nanostructured surfaces positively influence osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Ti 6 Al 4 V is a biocompatible α + β alloy which is widely used in orthopaedics. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of the nanostructured and ground Ti 6 Al 4 V titanium alloys with simulated body fluid complemented by the defined precipitation of hydroxyapatite-like coating and to study the cytotoxicity and differentiation capacity of cells with such a modified titanium alloy. Nanostructures were fabricated using electrochemical oxidation. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were used to evaluate cell adhesion, metabolic activity and proliferation on the specimens. The differentiation potential of the samples was investigated using PCR and specific staining of osteogenic markers collagen type I and osteocalcin. Our results demonstrate that both pure Ti 6 Al 4 V, nanostructured samples, and hydroxyapatite-like coating supported hMSC growth and metabolic activity. Nanostructured samples improved collagen type I synthesis after 14 days, while both nanostructured and hydroxyapatite-like coated samples enhanced collagen synthesis on day 21. Osteocalcin synthesis was the most enhanced by hydroxyapatite-like coating on the nanostructured surfaces. Our results indicate that hydroxyapatite-like coating is a useful tool guiding hMSC osteogenic differentiation., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)