Preendothelialized Autologous Umbilical Cord Grafts for Congenital Heart Defect Reconstruction
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND Current graft materials for congenital heart defect reconstruction lack native tissue properties, contributing to complications and reoperation. Autologous human umbilical cord grafts (UCGs) represent a promising alternative, particularly if pre-endothelialized to enhance integration and function. METHODS Human umbilical cords were processed into UCG patches, and matched human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated, expanded, labeled with CMFDA, and seeded onto patch discs at 30,000 cells/well. Constructs were assessed at 2 hours, 2 days, and 4 days using fluorescence microscopy and quantitative fluorescence assays. Unseeded UCGs and HUVECs cultured on plastic served as controls. RESULTS HUVEC isolation from two biological replicates yielded 0.12 and 0.15 million cells, expanded to 2.7 and 3.2 million cells, respectively. Seeded UCGs demonstrated increased fluorescence qualitatively over time. Quantitative analysis showed an initial decline in signal, followed by recovery and increased signal by day 4, consistent with cell retention and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Autologous HUVECs can be successfully isolated, expanded, and seeded onto matched UCGs. Pre-endothelialized UCGs represent a feasible strategy to enhance graft integration and warrant further functional evaluation for congenital cardiovascular reconstruction.
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $975
Award: G292695848
OpenAlex ID: W7203753001