Hybrid nanocomposite as a chest wall graft with improved integration by adipose-derived stem cells

Surgery of the chest wall is potentially required to cover large defects after  removal of malignant tumours. Usually, inert and non-degradable Gore-Tex serves to replace the missing tissue. However, novel biodegradable materials combined with stem cells are available that stimulate the healing. Based on poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid and amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (PLGA/aCaP) and pure PLGA, a dual layer biodegradable hybrid nanocomposite was generated. Mouse adipose-derived stem cells were cultered on electrospun disks (ASCs of C57BL/6), and biomechanical tests were performed. The cell-seeded scaffolds were engrafted in C57BL/LY5.1 mice to serve as a chest wall substitute. Cell invasion into the bi-layered material, extent of CD45⁺ cells, inflammatory response, neo-vascularization and ECM composition were determined at 1 and 2 months post-surgery, respectively. The bi-layered hybrid nanocomposite was stable after a 2-week in vitro culture, in contrast to PLGA/aCaP without a PLGA layer. There was a complete biointegration and good vascularization in vivo. The presence of ASCs attracted more CD45⁺ cells (hematopoietic origin) compared to cell-free scaffolds. Inflammatory reaction was similar for both groups (±ASCs) at 8 weeks. A bi-layered hybrid nanocomposite fabricated of electrospun PLGA/aCaP and a reinforcing layer of pristine PLGA is an ideal scaffold for chest wall reconstruction. It is stable and allows a proper host tissue integration. If ASCs are seeded, they attract more CD45⁺ cells, supporting the regeneration process.