Novel macro-microporous gelatin scaffold fabricated by particulate leaching for soft tissue reconstruction with adipose-derived stem cells

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2013 Feb;24(2):461-7. doi: 10.1007/s10856-012-4806-0. Epub 2012 Nov 10.

Abstract

The restoration of body contours as shaped by adipose tissue remains a clinical challenge specifically in patients who have experienced loss of contour due to trauma, surgical removal of tumours or congenital abnormalities. We have developed a novel macro-microporous biomaterial for use in soft tissue re-bulking and augmentation. Alginate beads provided the pore template for the construct. Incorporation, and subsequent dissolution, of the beads within a 7 % (w/v) gelatin matrix, produced a highly porous scaffold with an average pore size of 2.01 ± 0.08 mm. The ability of this scaffold to support the in vitro growth and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was then investigated. Histological analysis confirmed that the scaffold itself provided a suitable environment to support the growth of ADSCs on the scaffold walls. When delivered into the macropores in a fibrin hydrogel, ADSCs proliferated and filled the pores. In addition, ADSCs could readily be differentiated along the adipogenic lineage. These results therefore describe a novel scaffold that can support the proliferation and delivery of ADSCs. The scaffold is the first stage in developing a clinical alternative to current treatment methods for soft tissue reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology
  • Adult Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Adult Stem Cells / physiology
  • Adult Stem Cells / transplantation*
  • Alginates / chemistry
  • Alginates / pharmacology
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gelatin / chemical synthesis*
  • Gelatin / chemistry*
  • Gelatin / pharmacology
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • Glucuronic Acid / pharmacology
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration*
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Hexuronic Acids / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Microtechnology / methods
  • Porosity
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Glucuronic Acid
  • Gelatin