Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of electrically conductive, biocompatible composite scaffolds in modulating the cardiomyogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Materials & methods: Electrospun scaffolds of poly(ε-caprolactone) with or without carbon nanotubes were developed to promote the in vitro cardiac differentiation of hMSCs. Results: Results indicate that hMSC differentiation can be enhanced by either culturing in electrically conductive, carbon nanotube-containing composite scaffolds without electrical stimulation in the presence of 5-azacytidine, or extrinsic electrical stimulation in nonconductive poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds without carbon nanotube and azacytidine. Conclusion: This study suggests a first step towards improving hMSC cardiomyogenic differentiation for local delivery into the infarcted myocardium.

Original submitted 23 July 2012; Revised submitted 31 October 2012; Published online 27 March 2013