Cell and Tissue Banking最新文献

{"title":"Electroconductive and biodegradable scaffold based on alginate/polyaniline hydrogel loaded with green synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles for bone regeneration.","authors":"Bowen Lei, Hua Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10246-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-026-10246-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bone fractures are increasing globally, and the limitations of traditional grafts have encouraged the development of advanced biomaterial-based strategies for bone repair. In this study, we developed an injectable alginate/polyaniline (Alg/PANI) hydrogel containing green-synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs). The Alg/PANI/NPs scaffold exhibited favorable cytocompatibility and bioactivity, enhancing osteoblast-like cell viability/proliferation to 115.7% by day 3 and reducing hemolysis to 4.67%, indicating improved hemocompatibility. In addition, the scaffold was associated with macrophage polarization toward the pro-healing M2 phenotype, supported by morphological changes and increased TGF-β1 expression. It also established a regenerative microenvironment associated with enhanced antioxidant status, including a 2.5-fold increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, a 65% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), and a 2.1-fold increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels. Overall, these findings indicate that the Alg/PANI/NPs hydrogel is a promising multifunctional biomaterial that supports regenerative responses through immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and cytocompatible effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148900240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment of a novel human nervous system tissue bank: University of Debrecen tissue bank-introduction and retrospective data analysis.","authors":"Viktor Bencs, Tibor Hortobágyi, Attila Csaba Nagy, Márk Kozák, Gábor Méhes, László Oláh, László Csiba","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10249-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10249-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human brain tissues obtained from autopsies, as well as muscle and nerve samples derived from biopsies, constitute indispensable resources for translational research investigating the pathomechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we introduce the Nervous System Tissue Bank of University of Debrecen, which contains formalin-preserved and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) brain samples, as well as frozen nerve and muscle biopsy specimens. Database was established containing clinical and pathological parameters. For autopsy cases, the following variables were recorded: sex, age, number of hospitalization days, admission diagnosis, comorbidities, cause of death, post-mortem interval, general autopsy findings, and macro- and microscopic brain pathology diagnoses. For biopsy samples, we recorded: sex, age, biopsy site, and microscopic and molecular genetic diagnoses. Based on the recorded parameters and their temporal changes, retrospective statistical analyses were performed. Formalin-fixed brain samples and FFPE blocks were available from 2425 deceased individuals, and nerve/muscle samples from 257 patients. The brain samples originate from the period between 1990 and 2012. The most frequent admission diagnoses included ischemic stroke (n = 1070), hemorrhagic stroke (n = 462), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 102), epilepsy (n = 103), brain metastasis (n = 70), primary brain tumor (n = 60), parkinsonism (n = 28), dementia (n = 21), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 21). Prevalence of hypertension (67.6%) and diabetes mellitus (20.1%) showed a significant increase over time (p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence of malignancies, dementia, parkinsonism, and psychiatric disorders remained stable. Our tissue bank represents the largest nervous system collection in Hungary, providing well-characterized brain, muscle, and nerve samples linked to nearly three decades of clinical data. Samples are made available to researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13538255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148879281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The evaluation of biological effects of artesunate on ovarian cancer using three-dimensional cell culture methods.","authors":"Yijun Yuan, Xiaojing Luo, Longyu Tang, Tianwen He, Xinru Zou, Lu Feng, Bin Su, Jia Wu, Jun Li, Dongqin Xiao","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10226-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10226-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, with high mortality rates largely attributed to late-stage diagnosis, tumor heterogeneity, recurrence, and resistance to chemotherapy. Artesunate (ART), a water-soluble derivative traditionally used to treat malaria, has recently gained attention as a promising anticancer agent. Recently, studies have shown that ART can inhibit the migration and invasion of cancer cells. However, theses studies are always based on conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture models, which neglect the complex interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) or in vivo microenvironment. To address these challenges, in this study, honeycomb-like gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres as a three-dimensional (3D) culture platform were introduced to mimic the native ECM microenvironment and assess the effects of ART on ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that these GelMA microspheres exhibited a uniform and highly porous structure, which supported cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Notably, 3D culture promoted DNA synthesis and induced G1-to-S phase transition, indicating enhanced proliferative capacity. Furthermore, ovarian cancer cells cultured in 3D exhibited stronger invasive and chemoresistant phenotypes. RNA sequencing revealed that after ART treatment, tumor-related proliferation and invasion genes of ovarian cancer cells were significantly up-regulated under 3D culture compared with 2D culture. This might be related to the up-regulation of TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and Pl3K-Akt signaling pathway. Correspondly, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ovarian cancer cells was markedly enhanced when cultured on GelMA hydrogel microspheres after ART treatment. These effects might be attributed to the altered microenvironment provided by the GelMA hydrogel microspheres, which could be responsible for the enhanced resistance of ovarian cancer cells to ART. These findings suggest that, compared to traditional 2D. These findings suggest that, compared to traditional 2D culture, the 3D extracellular matrix-based system better mimics the in vivo tumor architecture, thereby improving the sensitivity of anticancer drug screening and offering a more reliable platform for evaluating drug resistance and tumor cell heterogeneity.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13493420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148788753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of dextran deswelling on graft preparation and clinical outcomes in DMEK.","authors":"N Kalantari, G Lang, G Geerling, S B Zwingelberg","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10247-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10247-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To evaluate the influence of dextran-containing versus dextran-free organ culture media on graft preparation characteristics and postoperative outcomes following Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). In this single-center retrospective comparative study, 31 organ-cultured corneoscleral donor rims obtained from the Eye Bank of the University Hospital of Cologne between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed. Donor age ranged from 52 to 74 years. Donor tissues were allocated to either dextran-containing organ culture medium (group A, n = 16) or dextran-free medium (group B, n = 15) according to logistical and surgical scheduling considerations. Intraoperative graft preparation characteristics were assessed using a standardized scoring system evaluating Descemet membrane splitting and stripping behavior, graft fragility, and central and peripheral attachment tendencies. Postoperative outcome parameters included Best Spectacle-Corrected Visual Acuity (BSCVA), central and peripheral corneal thickness (CCT and PCT), endothelial cell count (ECC), and re-bubbling rate over a follow-up period of 12 months after DMEK. All 31 DM-endothelium grafts were successfully prepared and transplanted for DMEK. No significant differences were observed between swollen and dextran-deswollen grafts regarding intraoperative preparation characteristics, including stripping behavior (p = 0.722), graft fragility (p = 0.433), peripheral attachment tendency (p = 1.000), and central tearing tendency (p = 0.484). Descemet membrane splitting behavior was also comparable between groups. At 12 months postoperatively, no significant differences were detected between groups regarding CCT (group A: 517.67 ± 15.10 µm vs. group B: 530.10 ± 24.92 µm; p = 0.189) or re-bubbling rate (p = 0.704). A trend toward lower PCT was observed in group B (group A: 604.00 ± 21.67 µm vs. group B: 579.50 ± 36.12 µm; p = 0.063), accompanied by a trend toward higher ECC in group B (group A: 1387 ± 131 cells/mm³ vs. group B: 1692 ± 242 cells/mm³; p = 0.066). BSCVA at 12 months was significantly better in the dextran-free group (group A: 0.08 ± 0.38 logMAR vs. group B: 0.03 ± 0.13 logMAR; p = 0.032). Swollen and dextran-deswollen donor grafts demonstrated comparable intraoperative preparation characteristics and similar postoperative outcomes following DMEK. The slightly improved visual outcomes observed in the dextran-free group suggest that dextran supplementation during organ culture may not be necessary for DMEK graft preparation. Avoiding dextran may further reduce time and costs in corneal eye banking. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13457278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148700859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of biomimetic mouldable osseous scaffold engineered from bioactive decellularized extracellular matrix-polymer-gel composite: a potential bone substitute.","authors":"Prarthana R, Rekha Pathak, Deepak Kumar, Vinodhkumar Obli Rajendran, K S Kamalesh, T Saikumar, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Rohit Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10244-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10244-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Critical-sized bone defects remain a major clinical challenge in veterinary orthopaedics due to limited intrinsic regenerative capacity and the drawbacks of conventional grafting options. This study reports the development and systematic evaluation of a novel bioinspired osseous scaffold engineered from decellularized bubaline cancellous bone granules, collagen gel, and polycaprolactone, with optional enrichment using autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction. Scaffold physicochemical characteristics-including porosity, material density, and ultrastructure-were assessed through liquid displacement assays, histomorphometry, and scanning electron microscopy, confirming complete decellularization, interconnected porosity, and favourable matrix architecture. Mechanical testing demonstrated significantly enhanced tensile strength in the composite scaffold compared with plain acellular bone-collagen constructs. In vitro biocompatibility was validated by adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration, with DAPI staining confirming uniform cellular distribution and robust scaffold-cell interactions, along with Alizarin Red S Staining for assessment of osteogenic mineralization.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148700761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stages and costs of processing donated corneas for transplantation in eye banks: a scoping review.","authors":"Bethânia Karoline Alvaro Menezes, Marcos Antonio Ferreira Junior, Aline Moraes da Silva, Giovanna Encinas Fernandes, Felipe Machado Mota, Oleci Pereira Frota, Matilde Delmina da Silva Martins","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10245-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10245-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective was to map the stages and costs of processing donated corneal tissue for transplantation in Eye Banks. The method followed the JBI Institute Reviewer's Manual, and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines were adopted for reporting, to answer the question: \"What are the stages and costs of processing donated corneal tissue for transplantation in Eye Banks?\" Studies considered for inclusion comprised qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, observational, experimental, quasi-experimental studies, reviews, institutional documents, manuals, theses, and dissertations, all available in full text and open access, with no restrictions on language or publication period. Information sources included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), the Virtual Health Library, and gray literature databases. The systematic search resulted in the final inclusion of seven studies. The results identified an operational workflow comprising three main phases: corneal selection and recovery, processing and evaluation, and the pre-surgical stage. The review revealed extensive variation in evaluation and discard/disqualification protocols across institutions and countries, especially in those with decentralized regulation. A lack of cost analyses and economic data was identified. In conclusion, although the processing workflow was mapped, the lack of protocol uniformity and, above all, the absence of cost data limit the understanding of financial impact and the sustainability of Eye Banks, reinforcing the need for future research with an economic focus and the development of standardized indicators.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13433669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Loss of quality of corneas stored in hypothermic preservation media during processing and evaluation in an eye bank: a cohort study.","authors":"Felipe Machado Mota, Marcos Antonio Ferreira Júnior, Christiana Velloso Rebello Hilgert, Oleci Pereira Frota, Isabelle Campos de Azevedo, Viviane Euzébia Pereira Santos, Matilde Delmina da Silva Martins, Gustavo Moura Maidana, Bethânia Karoline Alvaro Menezes, Bruna Dias Abes, Sara Raquel Pinto Borges, Guilherme Parreira Neves","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10240-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10240-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to analyze factors associated with the loss of quality of corneas stored in hypothermic preservation media during processing and evaluation in an eye bank. A cohort study was conducted using records from 422 donors (844 corneas) between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024. Corneal quality was determined through slit-lamp biomicroscopy based on 13 morphological criteria, with tissues classified on a Likert-type scale from 0 (excellent) to 4 (unacceptable). For analysis, corneas were grouped as higher quality (scores 0-2: excellent, good, and fair) and lower quality (scores 3-4: poor and unacceptable). The outcome was defined as progression from higher to lower quality between the first and second evaluations. No statistically significant associations were found between donor clinical or sociodemographic variables and progression to lower quality. The relative risk (RR) of progression to the lower-quality group according to the storage medium (Optisol-GS vs Eusol-C) was low, RR 1.01 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.94 - 1.07), possibly due to the short interval between evaluations (≤ 4 days). However, a significant trend toward higher scores was observed during the second evaluation. These findings suggest that donor characteristics, processing factors, and the preservation medium did not significantly influence the deterioration of corneal quality within the analyzed period. The differences observed between the evaluations are possibly related to the subjective nature of slit-lamp assessment rather than true tissue degradation.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13400461/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148577136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in pediatric tissue engineering: scaffold-based and cell-driven approaches.","authors":"Usamah Sayed, Amaal Mohammed Ali, S Renuka Jyothi, Rajashree Panigrahi, Vimal Arora, Anima Nanda, Siya Singla, Aashna Sinha","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10241-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10241-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tissue engineering holds significant promise for advancing pediatric reconstructive surgery by overcoming the limitations of conventional autografts and static implants while harnessing the unique regenerative potential of developing tissues. This review aims to synthesize recent progress and ongoing challenges in pediatric tissue engineering, with a primary focus on the development, design, and clinical translation of biomaterial scaffolds. We examine how scaffold architecture, material composition, and fabrication strategies can be tailored to accommodate pediatric growth, dynamic mechanical demands, and long-term biological integration. While complementary approaches such as stem cell therapies, computational modeling, and disease-specific platforms are acknowledged, the central emphasis remains on scaffold-based solutions that address the distinct anatomical and physiological requirements of children. By moving beyond adult-centric treatment paradigms, the field is gradually shifting toward a more integrated regenerative surgery framework that prioritizes adaptive tissue remodeling and functional recovery. Ultimately, this review highlights how purpose-built scaffolds and emerging biofabrication techniques are paving the way for safer, more effective reconstructive options in pediatric care, while identifying the key translational and regulatory barriers that must be addressed to realize their full clinical potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148560945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photobiomodulation at 660 nm enhances proliferative activity while preserving viability in human endothelial cells in vitro.","authors":"Diego Filgueira Albuquerque, Vladimir Galdino Sabino, Naisandra Bezerra da Silva Farias, Pedro Paulo de Andrade Santos, Manoela Domingues Martins, Janine Karla França da Silva Braz, Carlos Augusto Galvão Barboza","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10237-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10237-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Efficient endothelialization is essential for vascular graft integration and long-term performance, yet strategies to enhance endothelial proliferative activity remain limited. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising noninvasive approach for modulating cell behavior, although its effects on endothelial cells under standard culture conditions remain insufficiently defined. This in this study evaluated the effects of 660 nm PBM at different energy densities on the proliferative activity and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured under nonstress conditions. Cells were assigned to four groups: nonirradiated control and PBM-treated groups exposed to 1.0, 4.0, or 7.5 J/cm². Metabolic/proliferative activity and viability were assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h using Alamar Blue, Live/Dead staining, Annexin V/propidium iodide labeling, cell cycle analysis, and Ki67 fluorescence intensity. At 72 h, all irradiated groups showed significantly greater metabolic activity than the control group (1.0 J/cm², p < 0.01; 4.0 and 7.5 J/cm², p < 0.001), whereas viability remained high across all groups (> 95%), with no evidence of cytotoxicity. PBM redistributed cells toward proliferative phases, with a higher proportion of S-phase cells at 1.0 J/cm² and greater accumulation in G2/M at 4.0 and 7.5 J/cm². Ki67 fluorescence intensity also increased and was highest at 7.5 J/cm² (p < 0.05). Overall, 660 nm PBM enhanced endothelial proliferative activity while preserving cell viability, with coordinated changes in cell cycle progression and Ki67 fluorescence intensity across different energy densities and the most pronounced overall response at 7.5 J/cm². These findings support PBM as a promising adjunctive strategy for modulating endothelial behavior in vascular tissue engineering and highlight its relevance under standard nonstress culture conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13391784/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148547910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tissue engineering of articular cartilage using nasal chondrocytes on alginate-chitosan-based composite scaffolds.","authors":"Pooja Swami, Zachary Goldman, Brandon Alba, Henintsoa Fanjaniaina Andriamifidy, Haixiang Liang, Shabirul Haque, Sadanand Pandey, Azhar Khan, Daniel A Grande","doi":"10.1007/s10561-026-10242-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10561-026-10242-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Articular cartilage defects present a significant clinical challenge due to the tissue's limited self-repair capacity. Tissue-engineered scaffolds that support cell survival, phenotype maintenance, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation offer a promising strategy for restoring hyaline cartilage. In this study, we synthesized a composite scaffold composed of naturally derived biomaterials alginate and chitosan (AC), and a variant supplemented with type II collagen (CAC), and evaluated their pro-chondrogenic potential. Rabbit nasal septal chondrocytes (NSCs) were selected as the cellular component because of their high proliferative capacity and phenotypic stability. NSCs were seeded on to AC and CAC scaffolds and cultured for up to six weeks. Cell presence and distribution, histological morphology, ECM deposition, chondrogenic marker expression, and mechanical properties were assessed. Live/Dead imaging demonstrated sustained live-cell presence in both scaffold-types across all time-points. Histological analysis confirmed cellular infiltration into the scaffold interior, and Saf-O staining showed pericellular red staining at later time -points, suggestive of matrix deposition. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased staining over time of Sox9, aggrecan, and type II collagen, with CAC scaffolds exhibiting earlier temporal changes in aggrecan and type II collagen expression. Mechanical testing of cellular AC scaffolds showed a 15-fold increase in stiffness post-culture. These findings suggest that AC-based scaffolds, provide a supportive microenvironment for NSCs to infiltrate and express key chondrogenic markers. This composite system represents a simple and adaptable platform with potential utility for engineering cartilage.</p>","PeriodicalId":9723,"journal":{"name":"Cell and Tissue Banking","volume":"27 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148547937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}