Regenerative Medicine: An Example of Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering is about using aspects of cell biology and transplantation of cells, along with materials science and biomedical engineering, to develop biological substitutes for tissues and organs. These substitutes can restore and maintain the normal function of damaged tissues and organs. Tisue engineering methods include the injection of functional cells into a non-functional site to stimulate regeneration in that area and the use of biocompatible materials to create new tissues and organs. These biomaterials can be natural or synthetic matrices, often termed scaffolds, which encourage the body’s natural ability to repair itself and assist in determining the orientation and direction of new tissue growth.
To say it simply, tissue engineering is about using the individual’s cells to “engineer” or create tissue that is used to enforce or reinforce affected sites and assist in repair and regeneration of the site.
One Study - Tissue Reengineering for Bladder Repair
The bladder is the organ that holds urine. Patients with end-stage bladder disease, defined as very hard bladders with low capacity and terrible pain, can be treated with cystoplasty, also known as bladder augmentation, using biomaterial. Current research suggests that the use of biomaterial-based, bladder-shaped scaffolds may provide the best option for bladder tissue engineering. These scaffolds, or matrices, are implanted with cells from the urethra area of the individual.
Seven patients, aged 4–19 years, with high-pressure or poorly compliant bladders, were identified as candidates for cystoplasty (bladder augmentation). A bladder biopsy was obtained from each patient. Urothelial and muscle cells were extracted and grown in culture, which means the removed cells from the individual are grown in a favorable artificial environment. Those cells are then used to support the biodegradable bladder-shaped scaffold. About 7 weeks after the biopsy, the engineered bladder constructs (that had been growing in the artificial environment) were used for reconstruction and implanted either with or without an omental wrap (special closure method).
The follow-up range for the patients was 22–61 months (with a mathematical mean of 46 months). Post-operatively, bladder improvement occurred, no metabolic consequences were noted, and renal function was preserved. The engineered bladder biopsies showed an adequate structural architecture and phenotype.
The conclusion of the study of engineered bladder tissues proved to be effective for patients who need cystoplasty.
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