Mesenchymal stem cell-seeded decellularized human umbilical vein as a small-diameter vascular graft

This study aimed to assess the biomechanical performance, cellular integration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–seeded decellularized HUV scaffolds as candidates for tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVG) Decellularized HUVs were prepared using an optimized sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) protocol and subsequently seeded with human MSCs characterized by a CD90⁺/CD73⁺/CD105⁺/CD45⁻ phenotype. Four experimental groups were evaluated: non-decellularized control, decellularized control, MSC-seeded for 7 days, and MSC-seeded for 14 days. Biomechanical parameters (tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and suture-holding capacity) and immunohistochemical markers (CD105, CD45, collagen type I, collagen type IV, and elastin) were analyzed. Surface analysis was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MSC seeding preserved tensile strength and elasticity across all groups, confirming mechanical stability after culture. CD105 expression was significantly upregulated in the 14 day seeding group compared with controls (p = 0.048), while CD45 expression remained minimal across all groups, confirming MSC phenotype retention. Among ECM proteins, collagen type I increased significantly at 14 days (p = 0.014), whereas collagen type IV and elastin showed non-significant trends toward higher expression. SEM revealed smooth inner and porous outer scaffold layers conducive to cell adhesion. MSC seeding on decellularized HUV scaffolds supports early cellular integration and collagen remodelling without compromising mechanical strength. The increased CD105 and collagen type I expression after 14 days suggests the onset of active matrix synthesis, whereas unchanged elastin levels highlight the need for longer-term culture or dynamic conditioning. These findings demonstrate the potential of MSC-seeded decellularized HUV scaffolds as a feasible platform for small-diameter TEVG.