Tissue-Engineered Tracheal Reconstruction Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded on a Porcine Cartilage Powder Scaffold

Abstract

Tissue engineering using a biocompatible scaffold with various cells might be a solution for tracheal reconstruction. We investigated the plausibility of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded on a porcine cartilage powder (PCP) scaffold for tracheal defect repair. PCP made with minced and decellularized porcine articular cartilage was molded into a 5 × 12 mm (height × diameter) scaffold. MSCs from young rabbit bone marrow were expanded and cultured with the PCP scaffold. After 7 weeks culture, the tracheal implants were transplanted on a 5 × 10 mm tracheal defect in six rabbits. 6 and 10 weeks postoperatively, the implanted area was evaluated. None of the six rabbits showed any sign of respiratory distress. Endoscopic examination revealed that respiratory epithelium completely covered the regenerated trachea and there were no signs of collapse or blockage. A patent luminal contour of the trachea was observed on the computed tomography scan in all six rabbits and the reconstructed areas were not narrow compared to normal adjacent trachea. Histologic examination showed that neo-cartilage was successfully produced with minimal inflammation or granulation tissue. Ciliary beating frequency of the regenerated epithelium was not significantly different from the normal adjacent mucosa. MSCs cultured with a PCP scaffold successfully restored not only the shape but also the function of the trachea without any graft rejection.

Tissue-engineered trachea from a 3D-printed scaffold enhances whole-segment tracheal repair

“…Angiogenesis and neovascularization provides nutritional support to the implanted TET and have previously been shown to be key factors influencing ingrowth of epithelium 21, 24 . Epithelization provides critical functions such as the prevention of bacteria, as well as ciliary beating which helps enable discharge of secretion.…”

Preliminary experiences in trachea scaffold tissue engineering with segmental organ decellularization

“…It would be difficult for the stem/cartilage cells to migrate inside the decellularized cartilage matrix by only surface seeding and incubation. Thus, more complex seeding processes, such as mixing the stem cells with the cartilage powder, might be required …”

Selection of the optimum 3D‐printed pore and the surface modification techniques for tissue engineering tracheal scaffold in vivo reconstruction

“…The tensile test results of this experiment show that the longitudinal mechanical properties of the PTS are obviously superior to the native scaffold. As reported in many articles, the synthetic material has a natural advantage in simulating the mechanical properties of the tissue . The tracheal material requires not only the strength of the long axis but also a certain degree of radial toughness, so three‐point bending and radial compression tests were performed.…”