Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) promote healing through reducing apoptosis and stimulating blood vessel growth, but 90% die within two days of direct injection. Seeding MSCs onto an extracellular matrix derived from pig small intestine allows them to remain viable in high concentrations. Testing confirmed the cells displayed MSC surface markers and could differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. A protein array found MSCs on the matrix secreted much higher levels of IL-8 than on plastic, and a quantitative assay determined levels were 40 times greater, possibly explaining MSCs' remedial properties.