Assessment of biological properties for decellularized human umbilical cord tissue: Biomaterials in regenerative medicine

Abstract

Human placental tissues are used as raw materials for applications in regenerative medicine. The extracellular matrix scaffolds which are abundant in collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, growth factors and cytokines are effective in accelerating the healing process. In this study, the processed umbilical cord was assessed for morphological and functional characteristics to assess its competence for regenerative properties in wound healing. The histological analysis of the umbilical cord was assessed with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry for type-IV collagen. Physical properties such as ball burst, thickness and moisture were examined. ELISA and multiplex assays were performed to estimate the growth factors and cytokines. Anti-inflammatory properties were assessed using RAW 264.7 cell line. Further, functional aspects were determined through cell proliferation, cell migration and tube formation studies. Histological results revealed the scaffold had retained its structural features like an amnion layer with epithelial cells and sparsely distributed stromal cells in Wharton jelly. Physical properties were consistently maintained across the tissues. Functional analysis showed reduced macrophage proliferation, increased cell proliferation and cell migration validating its efficacy towards wound healing. Altogether data suggest that the umbilical cord is an effective remedial biological cover for wound healing applications with therapeutic potential for tissue repair and regeneration.