Spinach and Chive for Kidney Tubule Engineering: the Limitations of Decellularized Plant Scaffolds and Vasculature

Abstract

Tissue decellularization yields complex scaffolds with retained composition and structure, and plants offer an inexhaustible natural source of numerous shapes. Plant tissue could be a solution for regenerative organ replacement strategies and advanced in vitro modeling, as biofunctionalization of decellularized tissue allows adhesion of various kinds of human cells that can grow into functional tissue. Here, we investigated the potential of spinach leaf vasculature and chive stems for kidney tubule engineering to apply in tubular transport studies. We successfully decellularized both plant tissues and confirmed general scaffold suitability for topical recellularization with renal cells. However, due to anatomical restrictions, we believe that spinach and chive vasculature themselves cannot be recellularized by current methods. Moreover, gradual tissue disintegration and deficient diffusion capacity make decellularized plant scaffolds unsuitable for kidney tubule engineering, which relies on transepithelial solute exchange between two compartments. We conclude that plant-derived structures and biomaterials need to be carefully considered and possibly integrated with other tissue engineering technologies for enhanced capabilities.

The Emerging Role of Decellularized Plant-Based Scaffolds as a New Biomaterial

“…Thus, optimization and alternative protocols have been explored (Table 1). Amazon sword [55], Anthurium [35], Anthurium (queen) [35], Apple interior [24,32,33,53,56], Asparagus [56], Bamboo [31,35], Basil [55], Broccoli stem [52,56], Cabbage [57], Calathea zebrina [35], Carrot [52,56], Celery [53,56,58], Cucumber [56], Ficus hispida [59], Garcinia [59], Green onion [56,60], Impatiens capensis [35], Jujube [52], Leek [61], Lucky bamboo [55], Orchid pseudobulb [35], Pachira aquatica [59], Parsley stem [34,58], Peanut hairy root [34], Persimmon [52], Potato [56], Solenostemon "wasabi" [35], Spinach [34,54,55,58,60,62,63], Sweet yellow bell pepper [52], Sweet wormwood …”

“…To develop a more complete cellular model, re-endothelialization of the vascular network has been attempted. However, the recellularization of these delicate biological microfluidic systems has proven to be challenging [60]. Cell injection by hand via syringe may generate a too high flow rate and lead to an increased internal pressure that would likely damage the scaffold.…”

A Novel Plant Leaf Patch Absorbed With IL-33 Antibody Decreases Venous Neointimal hyperplasia

“…In vitro experiments show the promising potential application of plant-derived scaffolds. (Gershlak et al, 2017;Robbins et al, 2020) All of the research papers are in vitro experiments except our preliminary research (Lacombe et al, 2020;Jansen et al, 2020;Bai et al, 2021a). Compared to current prosthetic grafts, plant-derived scaffolds are widely available, much cheaper, and are free of animal-transmitted disease.…”

Current Advances in the Development of Decellularized Plant Extracellular Matrix

“…However, Jansen et al found that the vascular system of plant leaves might not be suitable for recellularization. Although cells can grow in the petiole, they cannot enter the vascular system of leaves through the petiole because the vascular is actually located in the parenchyma near the petiole and is not connected to the petiole cavity ( Jansen et al, 2020 ). Therefore, although plant decellularized scaffolds have some similarities with human organs in general morphology, they still have slight differences, resulting in the fact that only simple-structured organs and tissues can be republicated.…”