Biomimetic Extracellular Matrices and Scaffolds Prepared from Cultured Cells

Prochondrogenic effect of decellularized extracellular matrix secreted from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived chondrocytes

Cartilage is mainly composed of chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix (ECM), which exchange important biochemical and biomechanical signals necessary for differentiation and homeostasis. Human articular cartilage has a low ability for regeneration because it lacks blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. Currently, cell therapeutics, including stem cells, provide a promising strategy for cartilage regeneration and treatment; however, there are various hurdles to overcome, such as immune rejection and teratoma formation. In this study, we assessed the applicability of the stem cell-derived chondrocyte ECM for cartilage regeneration. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived chondrocytes (iChondrocytes) were differentiated, and decellularized ECM (dECM) was successfully isolated from cultured chondrocytes. Isolated dECM enhanced in vitro chondrogenesis of iPSCs when recellularized. Implanted dECM also restored osteochondral defects in a rat osteoarthritis model. A possible association with the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) pathway demonstrated the fate-determining importance of dECM in regulating cell differentiation. Collectively, we suggested the prochondrogenic effect of hiPSC-derived cartilage-like dECM and offered a promising approach as a non-cellular therapeutic for articular cartilage reconstruction without cell transplantation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Human articular cartilage has low ability for regeneration and cell culture-based therapeutics could aid cartilage regeneration. Yet, the applicability of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived chondrocyte (iChondrocyte) extracellular matrix (ECM) has not been elucidated. Therefore, we first differentiated iChondrocytes and isolated the secreted ECM by decellularization. Recellularization was performed to confirm the pro-chondrogenic effect of the decellularized ECM (dECM). In addition, we confirmed the possibility of cartilage repair by transplanting the dECM into the cartilage defect in osteochondral defect rat knee joint. We believe that our proof-of-concept study will serve as a basis for investigating the potential of dECM obtained from iPSC-derived differentiated cells as a non-cellular resource for tissue regeneration and other future applications.

Preparation and Application of Decellularized ECM-Based Biological Scaffolds for Articular Cartilage Repair: A Review

Cartilage regeneration is dependent on cellular-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Natural ECM plays a role in mechanical and chemical cell signaling and promotes stem cell recruitment, differentiation and tissue regeneration in the absence of biological additives, including growth factors and peptides. To date, traditional tissue engineering methods by using natural and synthetic materials have not been able to replicate the physiological structure (biochemical composition and biomechanical properties) of natural cartilage. Techniques facilitating the repair and/or regeneration of articular cartilage pose a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Whereas, little progress has been made in this field. In recent years, with advances in medicine, biochemistry and materials science, to meet the regenerative requirements of the heterogeneous and layered structure of native articular cartilage (AC) tissue, a series of tissue engineering scaffolds based on ECM materials have been developed. These scaffolds mimic the versatility of the native ECM in function, composition and dynamic properties and some of which are designed to improve cartilage regeneration. This review systematically investigates the following: the characteristics of cartilage ECM, repair mechanisms, decellularization method, source of ECM, and various ECM-based cartilage repair methods. In addition, the future development of ECM-based biomaterials is hypothesized.

PLGA–collagen–ECM hybrid scaffolds functionalized with biomimetic extracellular matrices secreted by mesenchymal stem cells during stepwise osteogenesis-co-adipogenesis

Development of an in vitro 3D model that reflects the dynamic remodeling of ECMs during simultaneous osteogenesis and adipogenesis of hMSCs.