Co-delivery of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells and Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells in Cell-Assembled Decellularized Adipose Tissue Scaffolds for Applications in Soft Tissue Regeneration

This study presents a modular bottom-up tissue engineering strategy for co-delivering human adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) within decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) scaffolds. The authors fabricated “cell-assembled” scaffolds by culturing ASC- and ECFC-seeded DAT microcarriers, which fused via ECM remodeling into cohesive tissues. In vitro analysis showed high cell viability, matrix deposition, and upregulation of proangiogenic genes (ANGPT2, RUNX1) in co-cultures. In vivo implantation in nude mice demonstrated that co-delivery improved ECFC retention without altering ASC persistence, while microCT angiography confirmed similar vascularization across all groups. Interestingly, scaffolds containing ECFCs alone remodeled extensively into adipose tissue, suggesting host-derived adipogenesis.