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Sequential use of human-derived medium supplements favours cardiovascular tissue engineering
Paul W Riem Vis1, Joost P G Sluijter, R Sarita Soekhradj-Soechit
1Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands. priemvis@umcutrecht.nl
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|June 8, 2011
Summary
Human serum (HS) enhances cardiovascular tissue strength in tissue engineering. Sequential culture with human platelet-lysate (PL) and HS improves cell proliferation and mechanical properties compared to using either supplement alone.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Animal-derived serum in culture media poses risks for clinical tissue engineering due to potential immune responses.
- Human platelet-lysate (PL) supports cell expansion but yields weaker tissues than fetal bovine serum (FBS).
- Human serum (HS) was investigated as an alternative supplement to enhance tissue strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate human serum (HS) as a supplement for cardiovascular tissue engineering.
- To compare the effects of HS and human platelet-lysate (PL) on cell proliferation and tissue mechanical properties.
- To determine if sequential culture with PL and HS improves tissue outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Human venous graft cells were expanded in media supplemented with PL or HS.
- Proliferation rates, gene expression (collagen production/maturation), and protease activity (zymography) were assessed.
- Two-dimensional (2D) collagen contraction assays and three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture with tensile testing were performed.
Main Results:
- Cell proliferation was lower in HS-supplemented medium compared to PL.
- HS-cultured cells exhibited reduced active matrix metallo-proteinase 2 (MMP2) and increased matrix contraction.
- Tensile testing revealed increased tissue strength in HS-cultured tissues, particularly with sequential PL and HS culture.
Conclusions:
- Human serum (HS) enhances the mechanical strength of engineered cardiovascular tissues.
- Sequential culture using human platelet-lysate (PL) followed by HS improves both cell proliferation and tissue mechanical properties.
- This sequential approach offers a promising strategy for developing clinically applicable cardiovascular tissue engineered constructs without animal serum.
