Stromal Vascular Fraction Loaded Silk Fibroin Mats Effectively Support the Survival of Diabetic Mice after Pancreatic Islet Transplantation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess whether stromal vascular fraction (SVF)-soaked silk fibroin nonwoven mats (silk-SVF) can preserve the functionality of encapsulated pancreatic endocrine cells (alginate-PECs) after transplantation in the subcutaneous tissue of diabetic mice. Silk scaffolds are selected to create an effective 3D microenvironment for SVF delivery in the subcutaneous tissue before diabetes induction: silk-SVF is subcutaneously implanted in the dorsal area of five healthy animals; after 15 d, mice are treated with streptozotocin to induce diabetes and then alginate-PECs are implanted on the silk-SVF. All animals appear in good health, increasing weight during time, and among them, one presents euglycemia until the end of experiments. On the contrary, when PECs are simultaneously implanted with SVF after diabetes induction, mice are euthanized due to suffering. This work clearly demonstrates that silk-SVF creates a functional niche in subcutaneous tissue and preserves endocrine cell survival and engraftment.

A Micellar-Hydrogel Nanogrid from a UV Crosslinked Inulin Derivative for the Simultaneous Delivery of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Drugs

“…For biomedical applications, among the most used polymers for hydrogel preparation, the great family of polysaccharides should be mentioned. Hyaluronic acid [ 3 ], chitosan and derivatives [ 4 ], dextran [ 5 ], alginate [ 6 ], cellulose [ 7 ] and heparin [ 8 ] are among the most used. Polysaccharides are also employed for colon drug delivery because most of them are specifically degraded from intestinal microflora [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Repair and Regeneration: A Focus on Italian Research in the Field

“…Mats and fibers were mainly proposed for skin regeneration and wound tissue healing. SF mats loaded with mesenchymal stem cells allowed subcutaneous compartment’s vascularization, which vascular network is an essential condition for the nutrient supply of all cells involved in the tissue regeneration process [ 55 , 56 ].…”

“…Instead, the use of RSF scaffolds for infrapatellar delivery of Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction as Feeder-Layer for Cartilage regeneration is eligible as an Advanced Therapy [ 51 ]. Similarly, use of SF mats loaded with mesenchymal stem cells with the aim of eliciting subcutaneous compartment’s vascularization for nutrient supply of cells involved in skin regeneration process is likely to become an Advanced Therapy product [ 55 , 56 ]. In both cases it should be decided if they are considered combined ATMs or not.…”

Tissue‐engineering approaches in pancreatic islet transplantation

“…On the other hand, silk, obtained from both spiders and silkworm (Bombyxmori ), is another biocompatible, biodegradable, and versatile biomaterial used in tissue engineering (Jao, Mou, & Hu, ). Silk has also been used in islet transplantation approaches, in vitro and in vivo, in combination with ECM proteins and/or with accessory cells, improving graft revascularization and thus islet function (Davis et al, ; Hamilton et al, ; U. Johansson et al, ; Perteghella et al, ).…”

“…Silk has also been used in islet transplantation approaches, in vitro and in vivo, in combination with ECM proteins and/or with accessory cells, improving graft revascularization and thus islet function (Davis et al, 2012;Hamilton et al, 2017;U. Johansson et al, 2015;Perteghella et al, 2017). (revascularization and ECM formation) and to achieve immune tolerance (Staels et al, 2016).…”