Decellularized human amniotic membrane: how viable is it as a delivery system for human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells?

[OBJECTIVES] Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has been widely used in soft tissue engineering both in its fresh form and decellularized; its efficiency to aid treatment of burn injuries is well known. On the other hand, it has been reported clinically by several studies that human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) are a promising cell source for cell therapy for burns. Recently, we have reported a new technique for decellularization of HAM. In this study, potential of prepared decellularized HAM (dHAM) as a viable support for proliferation and delivery of hADSC was investigated.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Amniotic membranes were collected, decellularized and preserved according to the protocol described in our previously published study. hADSC were obtained from the patients undergoing elective liposuction surgery and cells were then seeded on the decellularized membrane for various times. Efficiency of the decellularized membrane as a delivery system for hADSC was investigated by MTT, LDH specific activity, DAPI staining and SEM.

[RESULTS] The results showed that dHAM provided a supporting microenvironment for cell growth without producing any cytotoxic effects. In addition, the cells were spread out and actively attached to the dHAM scaffold.

[CONCLUSION] These results strongly suggest that dHAMs have considerable potential as 3D cell-carrier scaffolds for delivery of hADSC, in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.