are protein scaffold organs a viable transplant option

9 However, other bioactive ligands such as integrins, cadherins, are also important for cell–cell interaction, cell–ECM interaction, and new ECM formation. There are a variety of approaches such as chemical, enzymatic, and physical methods for effective decellularization of whole organs. This helps to remove cellular and nuclear content, along with the immunogenic antigens, while preserving the ECM architecture and structural components, such as collagen, elastin networks along with the biochemical constituents. In this context, numerous techniques for decellularization have been developed for various tissues/organs. The current focus is on the use of native biological scaffolds as a transplantable organ which can be employed for clinical use. 5, 6 Further, the natural ECM of the tissues is advantageous over conventional two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems, as they maintain and retain the complex microstructure and functional proteins. 4 Intact three-dimensional extracellular matrices from different allogeneic and xenogeneic tissue sources are known to preserve the cellular phenotypes with the help of obligatory ligands and bioactive molecules during the process of tissue regeneration. 2, 3 The biological signaling for cell adhesion and proliferation is constantly regulated by the scaffold proteins which are being modulated based on the metabolic and functional requirements of the healthy tissues and organ. Our previous study exhibited that these biopolymer-based scaffolds in a three-dimensional (3D) culture systems conserve the cell phenotype and support their proliferation. Various natural biopolymers have been used as scaffolds to mimic the extra cellular matrix of the tissues in vitro.

Biomaterials were employed as scaffolds for the incorporation of required cell types which intrinsically modulate the tissue microenvironment. 1 Recent tissue engineering approaches provide biological scaffolds composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) controlling cell functions and promoting new tissue formation. Solid organ regeneration is an emerging area in tissue engineering, providing tissue constructs with functional remodeling, and potential to re-integrate into host systems. Our study clearly elucidates that the native extracellular matrix of rat liver can be utilized as a scaffold for effective recellularization for whole organ regeneration. Expression of Cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), Glucose 6-Phosphatase (G6P), Albumin, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) genes has distinctly confirmed the translational signals after the repopulation process. The functionality and metabolic activity of the repopulated scaffold were evident from the albumin and urea production. The structural components of the Extracellular matrix (ECM) (Laminins, Collagen type I, Reticulins) were conserved and the liver cell-specific proteins like CK-18, alpha-fetoprotein, albumin were expressed in the recellularized scaffold. The resultant scaffold was re-seeded with the rat hepatocytes and their biocompatibility was assessed by its metabolic functions and gene expression. The decellularization process was evaluated and confirmed using histology, DNA content, ultra-structure analysis. A soft approach was adopted using 0.1% SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) for decellularization and primary hepatocytes were used as a potential cell source for recellularization. Herein, we attempted to rebuild functional liver grafts in small animal model (Wistar rat) with a potential of translation. Tissue decellularization and recellularization aids in retaining the three-dimensional integrity, biochemical composition, tissue ultra-structure, and mechanical behavior, which makes them functionally suitable for organ transplantation. The increasing demand for organs for transplantation necessitates the development of substitutes to meet the structural and physiological functions.

Are protein scaffold organs a viable transplant option