Analysis of human mesenchymal stem cells on a cross-linked collagen-based surgical implant material

Biomimetic scaffolds, delivered to the patient with or without cell loading, can offer improved treatments for a range of damaged or diseased tissues. In this work we evaluated the capacity of a cross-linked collagen-based implant material (Permacol™) to support the survival and growth of multipotent stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for potential applications in soft-tissue reconstruction and compared it to uncross-linked collagen. We showed, using confocal imaging, histology, quantitative analysis of seeding efficiencies by the MTT assay and Live/Dead analysis, that Permacol™ supported the adherence, growth and survival of MSCs preserving a healthy cell phenotype. MSCs infiltrated both matrices, although migration rates were significantly higher on uncross-linked matrices for some donors. Our work demonstrates that Permacol™ could maintain human MSCs in long-term culture supporting its use as a cell-seeded biomaterial for durable and strong repair in tissue reconstruction.