Bladder reconstruction using stem cells seeded on multilayered scaffolds in a mucosa preserving partial cystectomy model

Recently, studies have focused more towards using biocompatible scaffolds and stem cells to augment or replace the abnormal bladder. But, due to the lack of biomaterials with appropriate thickness as a suitable scaffold for smooth muscle regeneration, several structural, mechanical, and biocompatibility problems are encountered. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate whether human muscle-derived stem cells (h-MDSCs) seeded on multilayered polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber is an appropriate scaffold for bladder smooth muscle regeneration. h-MDSCs were seeded on a multilayered PCL/collagen nanofiber sheet and implanted in the bladder of a mucosa preserving partial cystectomy rat. From our findings, h-MDSCs seeded on multilayered PCL showed efficient cell seeding and proliferation. In addition, the histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed cell survival in between the multilayered nanofiber sheet, which led to smooth muscle cell regeneration with improved pro-angiogenesis in the regenerated region of the bladder. Therefore, h-MDSCs seeded nanofibers could be a promising tool in treating neurogenic bladder and related diseases.