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Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms
Published on: April 11, 2017
The isolation of cell derived extracellular matrix constructs using sacrificial open-cell foams
Jeffrey C Wolchok1, Patrick A Tresco
1The Keck Center for Tissue Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Utah, 20 S 2030 E Building, 570 BPRB, Room 108D, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
Biomaterials
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create custom extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials from cultured cells. This versatile approach yields cell-derived ECM with tunable properties for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) from animal or human tissues is used clinically for tissue repair.
- Current ECM sources have limitations in geometry, composition, and mechanical properties.
- A method to produce customizable ECM from cultured cells is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for isolating bulk extracellular matrix from cultured cells grown on 3D scaffolds.
- To characterize the composition and properties of the cell-derived ECM.
- To assess the applicability of this method across different cell types.
Main Methods:
- Human fibroblasts were cultured on 3D open-cell foams.
- Synthetic scaffolds were removed using a water-miscible solvent.
- The isolated ECM was characterized using mass spectrometry and mechanical testing.
- Reseeding experiments were performed with human tracheal fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- A multi-molecular ECM construct was successfully isolated, containing 22 identified ECM constituents.
- Yields of 47 mg of ECM per gram of scaffold were achieved.
- ECM from human tracheal fibroblasts exhibited mechanical properties similar to human vocal fold tissue and supported cell reseeding.
- The method proved effective for various cell lineages, including fibroblasts, astrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed approach enables the production of cell-derived ECM with specific physical and chemical attributes.
- This method offers a versatile platform for generating customized biomaterials for diverse research and medical applications.
- The cell-derived ECM holds promise for advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies.
