Human decellularized adipose tissue hydrogels as a novel culture and delivery platform for endothelial colony forming cell-mediated limb revascularization
Abstract
Cellular therapies to mediate vascular regeneration for critical limb ischemia (CLI) are under intense investigation. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) derived from umbilical cord blood have shown promise by integrating into new vasculature in small animal models of CLI. However, limited cell survival in the ischemic limb has prompted the development of biomaterials to help support cell delivery and promote recovery. The effects of culturing ECFCs in 3D hydrogels derived from the extracellular matrix on viability, proliferation and phenotype were characterized in vitro, and ECFC delivery in decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) hydrogels was assessed in NOD/SCID mice with hindlimb ischemia. DAT hydrogels supported high ECFC viability in vitro, with cell phenotype influenced by the hydrogel composition. While in vivo delivery within the DAT hydrogels did not significantly enhance cell retention or recovery of perfusion, future studies are warranted to investigate the incorporation of other supporting cell populations within the platform.