Objective:To study the effects of peptide hydrogel composite scaffold on the proliferation and early osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs). Methods:Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Collagen(nHAC) scaffold was coated by 1% peptide hydrogel. nHAC without peptide coating was set as control. They were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). ADSCs were chosen to seed onto the nHAC coated and uncoated with peptide hydrogel. CCK-8 kit was used to observe cell proliferation. The alkaline phosphate(ALP) activity was detected the early osteogentic differentiation. Results:Peptide coating was formed on the surface of scaffold. ADSCs adhered to and fully extended on the peptide hydrogel composite scaffold under CLSM. The data of proliferation and ALP continually increased in both groups. There was no difference in cell proliferation at 1 d,3 d(P > 0.05). At 5 d,7 d,ADSCs on the coated nHAC proliferated more significantly(P < 0.05). There was no difference among 3 d,5 d and 7 d in the ALP activity (P > 0.05). Conclusions:The peptide hydrogel composite scaffold could improve adhesion and proliferation of ADSCs,and also can improve early osteogentic differentiation of the cell, although not so obvious as the former two.