Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based therapy has been suggested for a wide range of tissue damage, from spinal cord injuries to diabetes. Many of the therapeutic properties of mesenchymal stem cells are attributed to their paracrine activity. MSCs derived from placenta (PMSCs) are similar in their phenotype, secretion profiles, and immunomodulatory features to the MSCs obtained from a currently established source - bone marrow (BMMSCs). PMCS were shown to surpass BMMSCs in proliferation rate and plasticity. Current regenerative strategies are limited by poor cellular survival, distribution and integration after transplantation in part due to the poor method of stem cell delivery to the site of tissue injury. Biological hydrogels are the materials of choice for cell delivery due to their biocompatibility, structural similarities with extracellular matrix, and ability to support cellular adhesion and proliferation. Fibrin and collagen were previously shown to support three-dimensional cell cultures (3D culture). We also developed a hydrogel made from a decellularized amnion membrane as a novel candidate for cell delivery. This is a promising material for use in tissue repair due to its accessibility, biocompatibility and functional relevance to placenta-derived MSCs. The goal of this project is to identify the ideal delivery vehicle for PMSCs. Fibrin, collagen, and amnion based hydrogels were assessed for their physical and biochemical properties as well as their ability to promote cellular proliferation and cytokine secretion. The project was conducted in the Surgical Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center.