Engineering vascularized flaps using adipose-derived microvascular endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Human adipose-derived microvascular endothelial cells (HAMEC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) possess angiogenic and vasculogenic properties.
• Effective treatment of large soft tissue defects requires functional vascularized flaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of co-culturing HAMEC and MSC on a biodegradable scaffold for creating vascularized grafts.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these grafts in treating soft tissue defects in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• HAMEC and MSC were co-cultured on 3D porous polymeric scaffolds.
• Grafts were implanted around rat femoral blood vessels and pre-isolated to encourage host vessel ingrowth.
• Vascularization was confirmed before flap transfer to abdominal wall and ankle defects.
• Flap vascular properties, cell survival, and integration were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Co-culture of HAMEC:MSC on scaffolds promoted significant graft vascularization by host vessels.
• The resulting vascularized flaps demonstrated improved integration in both abdominal wall and ankle defect models.
• The specific adipose-derived cell combination was essential for successful graft vascularization and integration.

Conclusions:

• Co-culturing HAMEC and MSC on biodegradable scaffolds generates highly vascularized flaps.
• These flaps are crucial for effectively treating large soft tissue defects, enhancing integration and survival.
• This study highlights the critical role of specific adipose-derived cell combinations in regenerative therapies.