Tissue Engineering of Small Intestinal Tissue Using Collagen Sponge Scaffolds Seeded with Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

In a previously reported attempt to regenerate small intestine with autologous tissues, collagen scaffolds were used without cell seeding or with autologous mesenchymal stem cell seeding. However the regenerated intestine lacked a smooth muscle layer. To accomplish regeneration of a smooth muscle layer, this present study used collagen scaffolds seeded with the smooth muscle cells (SMC) in a canine model. Autologous SMC were isolated from stomach wall and cultured. Two types of scaffolds were fabricated: in SMC (+), cultured SMCs were mixed with collagen solution and poured into a collagen sponge; and in SMC (-), SMCs were omitted. Both scaffolds were implanted into defects of isolated ileum as a patch graft. Animals were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks; for the last time point, the ileal loop had been reanastomosed at 8 weeks. At 12 weeks, the SMC (-) group showed a luminal surface covered by a regenerated epithelial cell layer with very short villi; however only a thin smooth muscle layer was observed, representing the muscularis mucosae. In the SMC (+) group, the luminal surface was covered completely by a relatively well-developed epithelial layer with numerous villi. Implanted SMCs were seen in the lamina propria and formed a smooth muscle layer. Thus, we concluded that collagen sponge scaffolds seeded with autologous SMCs have a potential for small intestine regeneration.

Intestinal Stem Cell Organoid Transplantation Generates Neomucosa in Dogs

“…Furthermore, intestinal organoid transplantation only generates the intestinal mucosal layer. Recently, Nakase et al 30,31 reported that transplantation of smooth muscle cells onto collagen sponge scaffolds results in generation of both an intestinal smooth muscle layer as well as enteroendocrine cells and nerve tissue in the tissue-engineered small intestinal segment. However, generation of a functional, peristaltic neuromuscular unit has still not been reported.…”

Tendon and bone responses to a collagen-coated suture material

“…Type I collagen is also being successfully used as a substrate on a variety of materials including corneal implants. 8 Type I collagen scaffolds have been effectively used to regenerate the small intestine in dogs, 12 and a type I collagen gel has had positive results in lumbar fusion, 11 thus making it an attractive substrate for bone-to-tendon healing.…”

Evaluation of Small Intestinal Submucosa as Scaffolds for Intestinal Tissue Engineering

“…Hori et al used autologous mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate an intestinal muscle layer with a collagen sponge as a scaffold [19]. Nakase et al reported the use of autologous smooth muscle cells isolated from stomach wall to regenerate the smooth muscle layer [20]. It is likely that a cellular component of the small intestine is needed to initiate intestinal tissue regeneration.…”