Comparative Evaluation of β-TCP-Based Composite Biomaterials Using Chorionic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Non-Osteogenic Conditions

This study evaluates the intrinsic osteogenic potential of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)-containing composite scaffolds (PLCL–TCP, PLGA–TCP, and ZnO–TCP) on chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CMSCs) under non-osteogenic in vitro conditions. CMSCs were cultured on the three biomaterials for 35 days without osteogenic supplements to isolate the material-driven cellular response. Cell viability was assessed via MTT assay, while osteogenesis-associated markers (alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, and osteocalcin) were quantified using ELISA. Scaffold surface morphology and elemental composition were characterized before and after cultivation utilizing SEM and EDX. All investigated scaffolds supported long-term CMSC viability and induced measurable osteogenic responses. PLCL–TCP demonstrated a consistently strong biological response, characterized by sustained metabolic activity, elevated ALP and COL I production, and increased osteocalcin levels at later stages of cultivation. ZnO–TCP also exhibited favorable osteogenesis-associated responses, particularly with respect to late-stage osteocalcin production, while maintaining high structural stability. In conclusion, β-TCP composites can intrinsically modulate CMSC behavior without biochemical supplements. Osteogenic outcomes depend on a complex interplay of surface chemistry, scaffold architecture, and degradation profiles, with PLCL–TCP demonstrating favorable overall performance among the investigated biomaterials.