Decellularized bovine aorta as a promising 3D elastin scaffold for vascular tissue engineering applications

Aim: To evaluate the suitability of using aorta elastin scaffold, in combination with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAd-MSCs), as an approach for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Materials & Methods: Human adipose-derived MSCs were seeded on elastin samples of decellularized bovine aorta. The samples were cultured in vitro to investigate the inductive effects of this scaffold on the cells. The results were evaluated using histological, and immunohistochemical methods, as well as MTT assay, DNA content, reverse transcription-PCR and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Histological staining and DNA content confirmed the efficacy of decellularization procedure (82% DNA removal). MTT assay showed the construct's ability to support cell viability and proliferation. Cell differentiation was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR and positive immunohistochemistry for alfa smooth muscle actin and von Willebrand. Conclusion: The prepared aortic elastin samples act as a potential scaffold, in combination with MSCs, for applications in cardiovascular tissue engineering. Further experiments in animal models are required to confirm this.

Automated summary

The study evaluates the suitability of using aorta elastin scaffold with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Results indicate the potential of the elastin samples in supporting cell viability and proliferation, with effective decellularization process and cell differentiation confirmed. Further animal model experiments are needed for validation.