Successful recellularization of human cadaveric tendons with adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

The regenerative capability of tendons is limited and depends on the severity of the considered pathology. Our research group investigated partial and full thickness tendon injuries that are very often observed in sport horses (the former) and human subjects (the latter). New methodologies were studied such as the applications of natural scaffolds associated with cell-based therapies. The aim of this study was to develop a recellularized biocompatible scaffold from human cadaveric tissue and recellularize it with mesenchymal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue. Our results showed that it is possible to introduce proliferating cells in the core of a decellularized tendon treating the scaffold with a collagen gel. This method resulted efficient since the correct extracellular matrix of scaffold was maintained and because of the injected mesenchymal stromal cells expressed collagen type I and COMP proteins.