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Natural extracellular matrix scaffolds recycled from human salivary digests: a morphometric study
M A Lilliu1,2, Y J Seo1, M Isola2
1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Oral Diseases
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed natural extracellular matrix scaffolds (nECMsc) from residual connective tissue of salivary glands. These nECMsc effectively support seeded cell attachment and proliferation, offering a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tissue engineering faces challenges in creating scaffolds that mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Recycling residual connective tissue from biopsies offers a potential source for natural scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate natural extracellular matrix scaffolds (nECMsc) derived from human submandibular gland biopsies.
- To compare nECMsc with native salivary tissue in terms of morphology, ECM protein composition, and cell seeding efficiency.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution electron microscopy (HRSEM) and picrosirius red staining were used to analyze nECMsc structure and ECM proteins.
- Immunogold staining assessed ECM protein distribution.
- Human epithelial cells and fibroblasts were seeded onto nECMsc to evaluate attachment and proliferation.
Main Results:
- nECMsc exhibited a fiber arrangement comparable to original salivary glands.
- Collagen types I, III, and IV were identified in the nECMsc.
- Seeded epithelial cells and fibroblasts demonstrated significant attachment (14-55% proliferation) and high viability (86-99%) after 4-8 days.
Conclusions:
- nECMsc successfully retain native ECM proteins and their distribution.
- Seeded cells remain viable and proliferate on nECMsc, indicating their potential as functional biomaterials.
