Cell-seeded decellularised extracellular matrices as an advanced approach for tissue engineering

Development and optimisation of therapeutic applications using biological scaffolds composed of naturally occurring extracellular matrix (ECM) have received significant attention in the field of tissue engineering. Histological and molecular investigations combined with comprehensive electron microscopy have shown that decellularised matrices from animal sources may vary in structure and biochemical properties. The source (bladder or small intestine submucosa), species, age of animal, and type of preparation of these matrices may contribute to the unique biophysical properties of the delivered product. Comparison of the thickness, topography, porosity and biomechanical properties of these matrices are presented. Vascular cell adhesion, migration and proliferation, and cell ingrowths on scaffold matrices were analysed using fluorescent labelling and laser confocal microscopy. ECM is shown to be a promising material for vascular tissue engineering and supports the growth, proliferation, anchoring and migration of human vasculature derived cells. Scaffold features tightly control the rate of adhesion and initiation of the proliferation. UBM scaffold containing an intact basal membrane may strongly influence the phenotype of the smooth muscle cells and control their proliferation-differentiation mechanisms. Data obtained will help realise and guide the research community with regard to the appropriate use of extracellular matrices derived from various animal organs based on their properties and suggests the possibility of conditioning this matrixes in order to influence their tissue and cell specificity before utilisation in clinical use.