Preparation of an acellular spinal cord scaffold to improve its biological properties

Abstract

In recent years, acellular spinal cord scaffolds have been extensively studied in tissue engineering. Notably, acellular spinal cord scaffolds may be used to treat spinal cord injury; however, the method of preparation can result in low efficiency and may affect the biological properties of cells. This study aimed to use EDC crosslinking, combined with chemical extraction for tissue decellularization, in order to improve the efficiency of acellular scaffolds. To make the improved stent available for the clinical treatment of spinal cord injury, it is necessary to study its immunogenicity. Therefore, this study also focused on the adherence of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to scaffolds, and their differentiation into neuron-like cells in the presence of suitable trophic factors. The results revealed that EDC crosslinking combined with chemical extraction methods may significantly improve the efficiency of acellular scaffolds, and may also confer better biological characteristics, including improved immunogenicity. Notably, it was able to promote adhesion of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and their differentiation into neuron-like cells. These results suggested that the improved preparation method may be promising for the construction of multifunctional acellular scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds: Recent trends and emerging strategies in tissue engineering

“…Interestingly, researchers have found that cross-linking approaches could assist in promoting cell adhesion and differentiation. For example, Xing used EDC crosslinking combined with chemical extraction to conduct tissue decellularization, which could promote the adhesion and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells [ 171 ].…”

Comparing natural hydrogels to self-assembling peptides in spinal cord injury treatment: a systematic review

“…26 The biodegradability of these materials must be considered, and the biomaterial degrades as new tissue grows, mimicking the natural mechanisms of breakdown and synthesis of ECM in the natural tissue. [50][51][52][53][54] In a previous study, Merchand et al used collagen as scaffolds to fill the gap transected in the spinal cord of Sprague-Dawley rats, and extended the stability of collagen (2-3 months) by adding a cross-linking agent to the gel which helped axonal regrowth over a six months' timeline. 56 The biocompatibility characteristics of natural hydrogels allow for cell adhesion and migration.…”

Functional acellular matrix for tissue repair

“…Given that the decellularization process usually adversely affects ECM characteristics, the dECM is usually strengthened by crosslinking to obtain modified dECM. For example, tissue decellularization using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) crosslinking combined with chemical extraction can promote the adhesion and differentiation of MSCs [ 190 ]. In a recent report, acrylate groups were transferred to a decellularized platform by photocrosslinking to enhance the mechanical properties of the dECM and form hydrogels with high shape stability [ 191 ].…”