Human extracellular matrix (ECM)-like collagen and its bioactivity

Abstract

Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the human extracellular matrix (ECM), provides essential support for tissues and guides tissue development. Despite its widespread use in tissue engineering, there remains uncertainty regarding the optimal selection of collagen sources. Animal-derived sources pose challenges such as immunogenicity, while the recombinant system is hindered by diminished bioactivity. In this study, we hypothesized that human ECM-like collagen (hCol) could offer an alternative for tissue engineering. In this study, a facile platform was provided for generating hCol derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a hierarchical structure and biochemical properties resembling native collagen. Our results further demonstrated that hCol could facilitate basal biological behaviors of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), including viability, proliferation, migration and adipocyte-like phenotype. Additionally, it could promote cutaneous wound closure. Due its high similarity to native collagen and good bioactivity, hCol holds promise as a prospective candidate for in vitro and in vivo applications in tissue engineering.