Danang Himawan Limanto, Thomas Jatiman, Ni Kadek Sulistyaningsih, Arisvia Sukma Hariftyani, Gracelia Damanik, Rozi Aditya Aryananda, Asra Al Fauzi, Pratiwi Soesilawati, Heri Suroto
Propose: 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) Methods: 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). Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. © The Author(s) 2026.
Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Pacarkembang, Tambaksari, East Java, Surabaya, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Pacarkembang, Tambaksari, East Java, Surabaya, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No.6-8, Airlangga, Gubeng, East Java, Surabaya, 60286, Indonesia; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Pacarkembang, Tambaksari, East Java, Surabaya, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No.6-8, Airlangga, Gubeng, East Java, Surabaya, 60286, Indonesia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Pacarkembang, Tambaksari, East Java, Surabaya, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Pacarkembang, Tambaksari, East Java, Surabaya, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Pacarkembang, Tambaksari, East Java, Surabaya, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No.6-8, Airlangga, Gubeng, East Java, Surabaya, 60286, Indonesia
