Cellulose Plant-Derived Scaffolds as a Tool for Myometrium Modeling

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Myometrial smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunctions contribute to infertility-linked pathologies like adenomyosis and uterine fibroids.
• Developing accurate in vitro myometrial models is essential for understanding disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel 3D in vitro model for studying myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs).
• To utilize plant-derived cellulose scaffolds for culturing mouse myometrial SMCs.
• To assess the viability, proliferation, and marker expression of SMCs cultured on these scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Decellularization of plant leaves (green onion, celery, bluegrass) to create cellulose scaffolds.
• Scaffold coating with collagen type I.
• Culturing mouse myometrial SMCs on scaffolds and assessing cell behavior and marker expression.
• Development of a multilayered scaffold system.

Main Results:

• Green onion leaf scaffolds facilitated unidirectional cell orientation, mimicking in vivo myometrial SMC organization.
• Cultured SMCs exhibited proliferation, viability up to 2.5 months, and retained key smooth muscle contractility markers.
• Multilayered scaffold systems maintained cell viability and marker expression.

Conclusions:

• Plant-derived cellulose scaffolds offer a promising platform for 3D myometrium modeling.
• This approach supports the development of in vitro models for studying myometrium-associated diseases.
• The developed model can aid in investigating the pathogenesis of conditions like adenomyosis and uterine fibroids.