Bioengineered bladder patches constructed from multilayered adipose-derived stem cell sheets for bladder...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Stem Cell Therapy

Background:

• Cell-seeded scaffolds are used for bladder repair, but enzymatic harvesting damages cells and extracellular matrix.
• Existing methods face challenges in maintaining cell integrity and intercellular junctions during scaffold preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a bioengineered three-dimensional bladder patch using multilayered adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) sheets and porous scaffolds.
• To assess the feasibility of using ultrasmall super-paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)-labeled ASC patches for image-guided bladder regeneration in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Constructed bioengineered bladder patches with USPIO-labeled ASC sheets and polyglycolic acid scaffolds.
• Transplanted patches into rats and monitored distribution using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.
• Evaluated bladder regeneration via urodynamic and histological analysis, including scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence.

Main Results:

• Scanning electron microscopy confirmed tight adhesion of cell sheets to the scaffold.
• MRI demonstrated persistent hypointense signals from USPIO-labeled ASC sheets up to 8 weeks post-transplantation.
• Immunofluorescence revealed regeneration of urothelium, smooth muscle, neural cells, and blood vessels.
• Urodynamic testing showed restored bladder function and augmented capacity.

Conclusions:

• The developed USPIO-labeled ASC patch is a promising strategy for image-guided tissue engineering in bladder regeneration.
• This approach preserves cell-to-cell interactions and extracellular matrix, promoting significant functional and histological recovery.
• The technique offers a safe and effective therapeutic option for bladder regeneration with noninvasive in vivo monitoring capabilities.