Gelatin Promotes Cell Retention Within Decellularized Heart Extracellular Matrix Vasculature and Parenchyma

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) offers a solution for organ shortages in transplantation.
• Current cell retention rates in whole organ dECM scaffolds range from 10-54%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve recellularization of decellularized rat hearts.
• To utilize soluble gelatin as a cell carrier for endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes.

Main Methods:

• Assessed rat aortic endothelial cell (RAEC) attachment to decellularized aorta using varying gelatin concentrations (1% and 5%).
• Delivered RAECs and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) to decellularized rat hearts using 1% gelatin as a carrier.
• Quantified immediate cell retention and evaluated visible contractions up to 35 days.

Main Results:

• Gelatin significantly increased RAEC attachment to decellularized aorta, an effect reversed by blocking integrin receptors.
• 1% gelatin carrier improved retention of both RAECs and NRCMs in whole decellularized rat hearts compared to controls.
• Recellularized hearts with gelatin showed significantly higher visible contractions (87%) versus controls (13%).

Conclusions:

• Soluble gelatin is an effective cell carrier for enhancing cell retention and contraction in dECM.
• Gelatin-mediated cell-ECM interactions are likely facilitated by integrin receptors.