Mathematical modelling of glycosaminoglycan production by stem cell aggregates incorporated with growth factor‐releasing polymer microspheres

Systems composed of high density cells incorporated with growth factor‐releasing polymer microspheres have recently been shown to promote chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage formation. Within these systems, the effects of spatial and temporal patterning of growth factor release on hyaline cartilage‐specific extracellular matrix production have been examined. However, at present, it is unclear which microsphere densities and growth factor delivery profiles are optimal for inducing human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and glycosaminoglycan production. A mathematical model to describe glycosaminoglycan production as a function of initial microsphere loading and microsphere degradation rate over a period of 3 weeks is presented. Based on predictions generated by this model, it may be feasible to design a bioactive microsphere system with specific spatiotemporal growth factor presentation characteristics to promote glycosaminoglycan production at controllable rates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.