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Velasquillo C, Melgarejo-Ramírez Y, García-López J, Gutiérrez-Gómez C, Lecona H, González-Torres M, Sánchez-Betancourt JI, Ibarra C, Lee SJ, Yoo JJ. Remaining microtia tissue as a source for 3D bioprinted elastic cartilage tissue constructs, potential use for surgical microtia reconstruction. Cell Tissue Bank 2024; 25:571-582. [PMID: 38038782 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-023-10118-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The absence of ears in children is a global problem. An implant made of costal cartilage is the standard procedure for ear reconstruction; however, side effects such as pneumothorax, loss of thoracic cage shape, and respiratory complications have been documented. Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows the generation of biocompatible scaffolds that mimic the shape, mechanical strength, and architecture of the native extracellular matrix necessary to promote new elastic cartilage formation. We report the potential use of a 3D-bioprinted poly-ε-caprolactone (3D-PCL) auricle-shaped framework seeded with remaining human microtia chondrocytes for the development of elastic cartilage for autologous microtia ear reconstruction. An in vivo assay of the neo-tissue formed revealed the generation of a 3D pinna-shaped neo-tissue, and confirmed the formation of elastic cartilage by the presence of type II collagen and elastin with histological features and a protein composition consistent with normal elastic cartilage. According to our results, a combination of 3D-PCL auricle frameworks and autologous microtia remnant tissue generates a suitable pinna structure for autologous ear reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Velasquillo
- Unidad de Ingeniería de Tejidos, Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Yaaziel Melgarejo-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Unidad de Gerociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Julieta García-López
- Unidad de Ingeniería de Tejidos, Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Gutiérrez-Gómez
- División de Cirugía Plástica y Reconstructiva, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hugo Lecona
- Bioterio y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maykel González-Torres
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Unidad de Gerociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Iván Sánchez-Betancourt
- Departamento de Producción Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Clemente Ibarra
- Unidad de Ingeniería de Tejidos, Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Kaboodkhani R, Mehrabani D, Moghaddam A, Salahshoori I, Khonakdar HA. Tissue engineering in otology: a review of achievements. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2024; 35:1105-1153. [PMID: 38386362 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2024.2318822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering application in otology spans a distance from the pinna to auditory nerve covered with specialized tissues and functions such as sense of hearing and aesthetics. It holds the potential to address the barriers of lack of donor tissue, poor tissue match, and transplant rejection through provision of new and healthy tissues similar to the host and possesses the capacity to renew, to regenerate, and to repair in-vivo and was shown to be a bypasses for any need to immunosuppression. This review aims to investigate the application of tissue engineering in otology and to evaluate the achievements and challenges in external, middle and inner ear sections. Since gaining the recent knowledge and training on use of different scaffolds is essential for otology specialists and who look for the recovery of ear function and aesthetics of patients, it is shown in this review how utilizing tissue engineering and cell transplantation, regenerative medicine can provide advancements in hearing and ear aesthetics to fit different patients' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Kaboodkhani
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Davood Mehrabani
- Burn and Wound Healing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | | | | | - Hossein Ali Khonakdar
- Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI), Tehran, Iran
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials and Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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3
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Padilla‐Cabello J, Martin‐Piedra MA, Santisteban‐Espejo A, Moral‐Munoz JA. Tissue engineering in otorhinolaryngology: A knowledge-based analysis. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2024; 9:e1182. [PMID: 38362196 PMCID: PMC10866594 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the impact, performance, degree of specialization, and collaboration patterns of the worldwide scientific production on tissue engineering in otorhinolaryngology at the level of countries and institutions. Methods Two different techniques were used, performance and science mapping analyses, using as samples all the available documents regarding tissue engineering focused on otorhinolaryngology applications. The dataset was retrieved from the Core Collection of the Web of Science database from 1900 to 2020. Social structure was analyzed using science mapping analysis with VOSviewer software. Results The United States was the main producer, followed by Germany, and Japan. Malaysia and Germany had the highest Relative Specialization Index, indicating their greater relative interest in this area compared to other countries. The social structure analysis showed that the United States and Germany had significant co-authorship relationships with other countries. The University of California System, Kyoto University, and Harvard University were the leading institutions producing literature in this field. These latter two institutions showed the largest number of collaborations, although most of them were with institutions within their own country. There was a lack of connections between different communities of research. Conclusion The United States is the main country driving progress in this research area, housing the most notable institutions. However, significant collaborations between these research centers are currently lacking. Encouraging greater cooperation among these institutions and their researchers would promote the exchange of knowledge, ultimately facilitating and accelerating advancements in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Padilla‐Cabello
- Program of BiomedicineUniversity of GranadaGranadaSpain
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyHospital Universitario TorrecardenasAlmeríaSpain
| | | | - Antonio Santisteban‐Espejo
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA)CadizSpain
- Department of PathologyPuerta del Mar University HospitalCadizSpain
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CadizCadizSpain
| | - Jose A. Moral‐Munoz
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA)CadizSpain
- Department of Nursing and PhysiotherapyUniversity of CadizCadizSpain
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Padilla-Cabello J, Moral-Munoz JA, Santisteban-Espejo A, Velez-Estevez A, Cobo MJ, Martin-Piedra MA. Analysis of cognitive framework and biomedical translation of tissue engineering in otolaryngology. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13492. [PMID: 37596295 PMCID: PMC10439116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a relatively recent research area aimed at developing artificial tissues that can restore, maintain, or even improve the anatomical and/or functional integrity of injured tissues. Otolaryngology, as a leading surgical specialty in head and neck surgery, is a candidate for the use of these advanced therapies and medicinal products developed. Nevertheless, a knowledge-based analysis of both areas together is still needed. The dataset was retrieved from the Web of Science database from 1900 to 2020. SciMAT software was used to perform the science mapping analysis and the data for the biomedical translation identification was obtained from the iCite platform. Regarding the analysis of the cognitive structure, we find consolidated research lines, such as the generation of cartilage for use as a graft in reconstructive surgery, reconstruction of microtia, or the closure of perforations of the tympanic membrane. This last research area occupies the most relevant clinical translation with the rest of the areas presenting a lower translational level. In conclusion, Tissue engineering is still in an early translational stage in otolaryngology, otology being the field where most advances have been achieved. Therefore, although otolaryngologists should play an active role in translational research in tissue engineering, greater multidisciplinary efforts are required to promote and encourage the translation of potential clinical applications of tissue engineering for routine clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Padilla-Cabello
- Program of Biomedicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Almeria, Spain
| | - Jose A Moral-Munoz
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Antonio Santisteban-Espejo
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | | | - Manuel J Cobo
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Andalusian Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A Martin-Piedra
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Donnelly H, Kurjan A, Yong LY, Xiao Y, Lemgruber L, West C, Salmeron-Sanchez M, Dalby MJ. Fibronectin matrix assembly and TGFβ1 presentation for chondrogenesis of patient derived pericytes for microtia repair. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 148:213370. [PMID: 36931082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineered cartilage for external ear reconstruction of congenital deformities, such as microtia or resulting from trauma, remains a significant challenge for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Current strategies involve harvesting autologous costal cartilage or expanding autologous chondrocytes ex vivo. However, these procedures often lead to donor site morbidity and a cell source with limited expansion capacity. Stromal stem cells such as perivascular stem cells (pericytes) offer an attractive alternative cell source, as they can be isolated from many human tissues, readily expanded in vitro and possess chondrogenic differentiation potential. Here, we successfully isolate CD146+ pericytes from the microtia remnant from patients undergoing reconstructive surgery (Microtia pericytes; MPs). Then we investigate their chondrogenic potential using the polymer poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) to unfold the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN). FN unfolding exposes key growth factor (GF) and integrin binding sites on the molecule, allowing tethering of the chondrogenic GF transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1). This system leads to solid-phase, matrix-bound, GF presentation in a more physiological-like manner than that of typical chondrogenic induction media (CM) formulations that tend to lead to off-target effects. This simple and controlled material-based approach demonstrates similar chondrogenic potential to CM, while minimising proclivity toward hypertrophy, without the need for complex induction media formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Donnelly
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Alina Kurjan
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Li Yenn Yong
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Yinbo Xiao
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Glasgow Imaging Facility, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher West
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Dalby
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
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Otto IA, Bernal PN, Rikkers M, van Rijen MH, Mensinga A, Kon M, Breugem CC, Levato R, Malda J. Human Adult, Pediatric and Microtia Auricular Cartilage harbor Fibronectin-adhering Progenitor Cells with Regenerative Ear Reconstruction Potential. iScience 2022; 25:104979. [PMID: 36105583 PMCID: PMC9464889 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iris A. Otto
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Paulina Nuñez Bernal
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Margot Rikkers
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Mattie H.P. van Rijen
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Anneloes Mensinga
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Moshe Kon
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Corstiaan C. Breugem
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht, 3584 CM, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht, 3584 CM, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author
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Hirano N, Kusuhara H, Sueyoshi Y, Teramura T, Murthy A, Asamura S, Isogai N, Jacquet RD, Landis WJ. Ethanol treatment of nanoPGA/PCL composite scaffolds enhances human chondrocyte development in the cellular microenvironment of tissue-engineered auricle constructs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253149. [PMID: 34242238 PMCID: PMC8270150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle for tissue engineering ear-shaped cartilage is poorly developed tissue comprising cell-scaffold constructs. To address this issue, bioresorbable scaffolds of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and polyglycolic acid nanofibers (nanoPGA) were evaluated using an ethanol treatment step before auricular chondrocyte scaffold seeding, an approach considered to enhance scaffold hydrophilicity and cartilage regeneration. Auricular chondrocytes were isolated from canine ears and human surgical samples discarded during otoplasty, including microtia reconstruction. Canine chondrocytes were seeded onto PCL and nanoPGA sheets either with or without ethanol treatment to examine cellular adhesion in vitro. Human chondrocytes were seeded onto three-dimensional bioresorbable composite scaffolds (PCL with surface coverage of nanoPGA) either with or without ethanol treatment and then implanted into athymic mice for 10 and 20 weeks. On construct retrieval, scanning electron microscopy showed canine auricular chondrocytes seeded onto ethanol-treated scaffolds in vitro developed extended cell processes contacting scaffold surfaces, a result suggesting cell-scaffold adhesion and a favorable microenvironment compared to the same cells with limited processes over untreated scaffolds. Adhesion of canine chondrocytes was statistically significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) for ethanol-treated compared to untreated scaffold sheets. After implantation for 10 weeks, constructs of human auricular chondrocytes seeded onto ethanol-treated scaffolds were covered with glossy cartilage while constructs consisting of the same cells seeded onto untreated scaffolds revealed sparse connective tissue and cartilage regeneration. Following 10 weeks of implantation, RT-qPCR analyses of chondrocytes grown on ethanol-treated scaffolds showed greater expression levels for several cartilage-related genes compared to cells developed on untreated scaffolds with statistically significantly increased SRY-box transcription factor 5 (SOX5) and decreased interleukin-1α (inflammation-related) expression levels (p ≤ 0.05). Ethanol treatment of scaffolds led to increased cartilage production for 20- compared to 10-week constructs. While hydrophilicity of scaffolds was not assessed directly in the present findings, a possible factor supporting the summary data is that hydrophilicity may be enhanced for ethanol-treated nanoPGA/PCL scaffolds, an effect leading to improvement of chondrocyte adhesion, the cellular microenvironment and cartilage regeneration in tissue-engineered auricle constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narihiko Hirano
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kindai University, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Kusuhara
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kindai University, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yu Sueyoshi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kindai University, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Teramura
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Ananth Murthy
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Shinichi Asamura
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wakayama Medical College, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Noritaka Isogai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kindai University, Osakasayama, Japan
- * E-mail: (WJL); (NI)
| | - Robin DiFeo Jacquet
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - William J. Landis
- Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WJL); (NI)
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Abstract
The field of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine has evolved rapidly over the past thirty years. This review will summarize its history, current status and direction through the lens of clinical need, its progress through science in the laboratory and application back into patients. We can take pride in the fact that much effort and progress began with the surgical problems of children and that many surgeons in the pediatric surgical specialties have become pioneers and investigators in this new field of science, engineering, and medicine. Although the field has yet to fulfill its great promise, there have been several examples where a therapy has progressed from the first idea to human application within a short span of time and, in many cases, it has been applied in the surgical care of children.
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Niermeyer WL, Rodman C, Li MM, Chiang T. Tissue engineering applications in otolaryngology-The state of translation. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2020; 5:630-648. [PMID: 32864434 PMCID: PMC7444782 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While tissue engineering holds significant potential to address current limitations in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, few constructs have made their way into routine clinical use. In this review, we aim to appraise the state of head and neck tissue engineering over the past five years, with a specific focus on otologic, nasal, craniofacial bone, and laryngotracheal applications. A comprehensive scoping search of the PubMed database was performed and over 2000 article hits were returned with 290 articles included in the final review. These publications have addressed the hallmark characteristics of tissue engineering (cellular source, scaffold, and growth signaling) for head and neck anatomical sites. While there have been promising reports of effective tissue engineered interventions in small groups of human patients, the majority of research remains constrained to in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at furthering the understanding of the biological processes involved in tissue engineering. Further, differences in functional and cosmetic properties of the ear, nose, airway, and craniofacial bone affect the emphasis of investigation at each site. While otolaryngologists currently play a role in tissue engineering translational research, continued multidisciplinary efforts will likely be required to push the state of translation towards tissue-engineered constructs available for routine clinical use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cole Rodman
- The Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Michael M. Li
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Tendy Chiang
- Department of OtolaryngologyNationwide Children's HospitalColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
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Childs RD, Nakao H, Isogai N, Murthy A, Landis WJ. An analytical study of neocartilage from microtia and otoplasty surgical remnants: A possible application for BMP7 in microtia development and regeneration. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234650. [PMID: 32555733 PMCID: PMC7299323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate auricular reconstruction by tissue engineering means, this study compared cartilage regenerated from human chondrocytes obtained from either microtia or normal (conchal) tissues discarded from otoplasties. Isolated cells were expanded in vitro, seeded onto nanopolyglycolic acid (nanoPGA) sheets with or without addition of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7), and implanted in nude mice for 10 weeks. On specimen harvest, cartilage development was assessed by gross morphology, histology, and RT-qPCR and microarray analyses. Neocartilages from normal and microtia surgical tissues were found equivalent in their dimensions, qualitative degree of proteoglycan and elastic fiber staining, and quantitative gene expression levels of types II and III collagen, elastin, and SOX5. Microarray analysis, applied for the first time for normal and microtia neocartilage comparison, yielded no genes that were statistically significantly different in expression between these two sample groups. These results support use of microtia tissue as a cell source for normal auricular reconstruction. Comparison of normal and microtia cells, each seeded on nanoPGA and supplemented with BMP7 in a slow-release hydrogel, showed statistically significant differences in certain genes identified by microarray analysis. Such differences were also noted in several analyses comparing counterpart seeded cells without BMP7. Summary data suggest a possible application for BMP7 in microtia cartilage regeneration and encourage further studies to elucidate whether such genotypic differences translate to phenotypic characteristics of the human microtic ear. The present work advances understanding relevant to the potential clinical use of microtia surgical remnants as a suitable cell source for tissue engineering of the pinna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin DiFeo Childs
- Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kindai University Medical School, Osaka sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitomi Nakao
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Noritaka Isogai
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ananth Murthy
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kindai University Medical School, Osaka sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - William J. Landis
- Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Metabolites in Ear Cartilage: Congenital Microtia and Normal Auricle. Ann Plast Surg 2020; 85:76-82. [PMID: 31904643 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of the study were to perform mass spectrometric characterization of metabolites in microtic and healthy ear auricular cartilage tissue, to screen the differential metabolites and pathways in these tissues, and to find a connection between the changes in the metabolic pathways and the biochemical properties of the cartilage tissue. METHODS According to the inclusion criteria, patients with simple microtia admitted to the hospital between June 2017 and January 2018 were selected upon admission. During ear reconstruction surgery, residual auricle cartilage tissues of the patients were harvested as the case group (18 cases), and normal auricle cartilage tissues (18 cases) were taken as the control group. The mass spectrometry technique gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the Xplore platform were used to identify and characterize the metabolites in the ear cartilage samples. Then, differential metabolites and key pathways were identified and analyzed. RESULTS In total, 277 metabolites were detected, but only 132 metabolites were annotated in the JiaLib (one of the largest metabolomics libraries in the world). Of those, 14 differential metabolites and 3 metabolic pathways were identified between microtia and healthy ear cartilage, including the pathways of arginine metabolism, taurine metabolism, and pantothenate and CoA metabolism, P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Arginine, taurine, and L-cysteine may have an association with the development of microtia ear cartilage, and arginine succinate synthase and argininosuccinate lyase may be the key enzyme in microtia. This new direction on microtia can help us understand the pathogenesis of microtia and propose some new ideas for its etiology.
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Abstract
PURPOSE The significant shortcomings associated with current autologous reconstructive options for auricular deformities have inspired great interest in a tissue engineering solution. A major obstacle in the engineering of human auricular cartilage is the availability of sufficient autologous human chondrocytes. A clinically obtainable amount of auricular cartilage tissue (ie, 1 g) only yields approximately 10 million cells, where 25 times this amount is needed for the fabrication of a full-scale pediatric ear. It is thought that repeated passaging of chondrocytes leads to dedifferentiation and loss of the chondrogenic potential. However, little to no data exist regarding the ideal number of times that human auricular chondrocytes (HAuCs) can be passaged in a manner that maximizes the cellular expansion while minimizing dedifferentiation. METHODS Human auricular chondrocytes were isolated from discarded otoplasty specimens. The HAuCs were then expanded, and cells from passages 3, 4, and 5 were encapsulated into discs 8 mm in diameter made from type I collagen hydrogels with a cell density of 25 million cells/mL. The constructs were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsa of nude mice and harvested after 1 and 3 months for analysis. RESULTS Constructs containing passages 3, 4, and 5 chondrocytes all maintained their original cylindrical geometry. After 3 months in vivo, the diameters of the P3, P4, and P5 discs were 69 ± 9%, 67 ± 10%, and 73 ± 15% of their initial diameter, respectively. Regardless of the passage number, all constructs developed a glossy white cartilaginous appearance, similar to native auricular cartilage. Histologic analysis demonstrated development of an organized perichondrium composed of collagen, a rich proteoglycan matrix, cellular lacunae, and a dense elastin fibrin network by Safranin-O and Verhoeff stain. Biochemical analysis confirmed similar amounts of proteoglycan and hydroxyproline content in late passage constructs when compared with native auricular cartilage. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that late passage HAuCs (up to passage 5) form elastic cartilage that is histologically, biochemically, and biomechanically similar to native human elastic cartilage and have the potential to be used for auricular cartilage engineering.
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13
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Cohen BP, Bernstein JL, Morrison KA, Spector JA, Bonassar LJ. Tissue engineering the human auricle by auricular chondrocyte-mesenchymal stem cell co-implantation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202356. [PMID: 30356228 PMCID: PMC6200177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Children suffering from microtia have few options for auricular reconstruction. Tissue engineering approaches attempt to replicate the complex anatomy and structure of the ear with autologous cartilage but have been limited by access to clinically accessible cell sources. Here we present a full-scale, patient-based human ear generated by implantation of human auricular chondrocytes and human mesenchymal stem cells in a 1:1 ratio. Additional disc construct surrogates were generated with 1:0, 1:1, and 0:1 combinations of auricular chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells. After 3 months in vivo, monocellular auricular chondrocyte discs and 1:1 disc and ear constructs displayed bundled collagen fibers in a perichondrial layer, rich proteoglycan deposition, and elastin fiber network formation similar to native human auricular cartilage, with the protein composition and mechanical stiffness of native tissue. Full ear constructs with a 1:1 cell combination maintained gross ear structure and developed a cartilaginous appearance following implantation. These studies demonstrate the successful engineering of a patient-specific human auricle using exclusively human cell sources without extensive in vitro tissue culture prior to implantation, a critical step towards the clinical application of tissue engineering for auricular reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Cohen
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Jaime L Bernstein
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kerry A Morrison
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason A Spector
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lawrence J Bonassar
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America.,Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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14
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Lee KI, Olmer M, Baek J, D'Lima DD, Lotz MK. Platelet-derived growth factor-coated decellularized meniscus scaffold for integrative healing of meniscus tears. Acta Biomater 2018; 76:126-134. [PMID: 29908335 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the potential of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-coated decellularized meniscus scaffold in mediating integrative healing of meniscus tears by inducing endogenous cell migration. Fresh bovine meniscus was chemically decellularized and covalently conjugated with heparin and PDGF-BB. In vitro PDGF release kinetics was measured. The scaffold was transplanted into experimental tears in avascular bovine meniscus explants and cultured for 2 and 4 weeks. The number migrating and proliferating cells at the borderline between the scaffold and injured explant and PDGF receptor-β (PDGFRβ) expressing cells were counted. The alignment of the newly produced ECM and collagen was analyzed by Safranin-O, picrosirius red staining, and differential interference contrast (DIC). Tensile testing of the explants was performed after culture for 2 and 4 weeks. Heparin conjugated scaffold showed immobilization of high levels of PDGF-BB, with sustained release over 2 weeks. Insertion of the PDGF-BB treated scaffold in defects in avascular meniscus led to increased PDGFRβ expression, cell migration and proliferation into the defect zone. Safranin-O, picrosirius red staining and DIC showed tissue integration between the scaffold and injured explants. Tensile properties of injured explants treated with PDGF-BB coated scaffold were significantly higher than in the scaffold without PDGF. In conclusion, PDGF-BB-coated scaffold increased PDGFRβ expression and promoted migration of endogenous meniscus cells to the defect area. New matrix was formed that bridged the space between the native meniscus and the scaffold and this was associated with improved biomechanical properties. The PDGF-BB-coated scaffold will be promising for clinical translation to healing of meniscus tears. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Meniscus tears are the most common injury of the knee joint. The most prevalent forms that occur in the inner third typically do not spontaneously heal and represent a major risk factor for the development of knee osteoarthritis. The goal of this project was to develop an approach that is readily applicable for clinical use. We selected a natural and readily available decellularized meniscus scaffold and conjugated it with PDGF, which we had previously found to have strong chemotactic activity for chondrocytes and progenitor cells. The present results show that insertion of the PDGF-conjugated scaffold in defects in avascular meniscus led to endogenous cell migration and proliferation into the defect zone with tissue integration between the scaffold and injured explants and improved tensile properties. This PDGF-conjugated scaffold will be promising for a translational approach to healing of meniscus tears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Il Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Merissa Olmer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jihye Baek
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Darryl D D'Lima
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Martin K Lotz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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15
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In Vitro Regeneration of Patient-specific Ear-shaped Cartilage and Its First Clinical Application for Auricular Reconstruction. EBioMedicine 2018. [PMID: 29396297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.01.011.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtia is a congenital external ear malformation that can seriously influence the psychological and physiological well-being of affected children. The successful regeneration of human ear-shaped cartilage using a tissue engineering approach in a nude mouse represents a promising approach for auricular reconstruction. However, owing to technical issues in cell source, shape control, mechanical strength, biosafety, and long-term stability of the regenerated cartilage, human tissue engineered ear-shaped cartilage is yet to be applied clinically. Using expanded microtia chondrocytes, compound biodegradable scaffold, and in vitro culture technique, we engineered patient-specific ear-shaped cartilage in vitro. Moreover, the cartilage was used for auricle reconstruction of five microtia patients and achieved satisfactory aesthetical outcome with mature cartilage formation during 2.5years follow-up in the first conducted case. Different surgical procedures were also employed to find the optimal approach for handling tissue engineered grafts. In conclusion, the results represent a significant breakthrough in clinical translation of tissue engineered human ear-shaped cartilage given the established in vitro engineering technique and suitable surgical procedure. This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-ICN-14005469).
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16
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Zhou G, Jiang H, Yin Z, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Pan B, Zhou J, Zhou X, Sun H, Li D, He A, Zhang Z, Zhang W, Liu W, Cao Y. In Vitro Regeneration of Patient-specific Ear-shaped Cartilage and Its First Clinical Application for Auricular Reconstruction. EBioMedicine 2018; 28:287-302. [PMID: 29396297 PMCID: PMC5835555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtia is a congenital external ear malformation that can seriously influence the psychological and physiological well-being of affected children. The successful regeneration of human ear-shaped cartilage using a tissue engineering approach in a nude mouse represents a promising approach for auricular reconstruction. However, owing to technical issues in cell source, shape control, mechanical strength, biosafety, and long-term stability of the regenerated cartilage, human tissue engineered ear-shaped cartilage is yet to be applied clinically. Using expanded microtia chondrocytes, compound biodegradable scaffold, and in vitro culture technique, we engineered patient-specific ear-shaped cartilage in vitro. Moreover, the cartilage was used for auricle reconstruction of five microtia patients and achieved satisfactory aesthetical outcome with mature cartilage formation during 2.5 years follow-up in the first conducted case. Different surgical procedures were also employed to find the optimal approach for handling tissue engineered grafts. In conclusion, the results represent a significant breakthrough in clinical translation of tissue engineered human ear-shaped cartilage given the established in vitro engineering technique and suitable surgical procedure. This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-ICN-14005469). Patient-specific ear-shaped cartilage was engineered in vitro using expanded MCs and compound biodegradable scaffold. The first microtia case treated with the tissue engineered ear-shaped cartilage was follow-up for 2.5 years. Other four cases with similar and different surgical procedures were also presented.
Microtia is a congenital external ear malformation that can seriously influence the psychological and physiological well-being of affected children. Using expanded microtia chondrocytes, compound biodegradable scaffold, and in vitro culture technique, we engineered patient-specific ear-shaped cartilage in vitro, and performed a pilot clinical trial of auricle reconstruction using the engineered ear cartilage on five patients. Satisfactory aesthetical outcome with mature cartilage formation was achieved with the longest follow-up of 2.5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdong Zhou
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China; Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Wei Fang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Haiyue Jiang
- Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zongqi Yin
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qingguo Zhang
- Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xin Hua Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Bo Pan
- Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiayu Zhou
- Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hengyun Sun
- Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Aijuan He
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yilin Cao
- Shanghai Tissue Engineering Research Key Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, PR China; Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, PR China.
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17
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Long-Term Comparison between Human Normal Conchal and Microtia Chondrocytes Regenerated by Tissue Engineering on Nanofiber Polyglycolic Acid Scaffolds. Plast Reconstr Surg 2017; 139:911e-921e. [PMID: 28350666 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000003201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous regeneration studies of auricle-shaped cartilage by tissue engineering leave unresolved whether the chondrocyte phenotype from human auricular chondrocytes seeded onto polymeric scaffolds is retained over the long term and whether microtia remnants may be a viable cell source for auricular reconstruction. METHODS Chondrocytes were isolated from human ears, either normal conchal ear or microtia cartilage remnants, expanded in vitro, and seeded onto nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid sheets. These tissue-engineered constructs were implanted into athymic mice for up to 40 weeks. At harvest times of 5, 10, 20, and 40 weeks, samples were documented by gross morphology, histology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS Neocartilages generated from the two types of surgical tissues were similar in appearance of their extracellular matrices and positive staining for elastin and proteoglycans. In the 5- to 40-week time interval, there was an increasing trend in gene expression for type II collagen, elastin, and sex determining region Y box 5, important to normal cartilage phenotype, and a decreasing trend in gene expression for type III collagen, a fibroblast and dedifferentiation marker. Over 40 weeks of implantation, the original nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid scaffold dimensions (1 cm × 1 cm × 80 µm) were generally maintained in tissue-engineered cartilage length and width, and thickness was statistically significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS Auricular cartilage can be regenerated over the long term (40 weeks) from surgical remnants by tissue-engineering techniques incorporating nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid scaffolds. Based on the present assays, microtia neocartilage very closely resembles tissue-engineered cartilage regenerated from chondrocytes isolated from normal conchal cartilage.
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18
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Tiruvannamalai Annamalai R, Rioja AY, Putnam AJ, Stegemann JP. Vascular Network Formation by Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells in Modular Fibrin Microtissues. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 2:1914-1925. [PMID: 29503863 PMCID: PMC5830175 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) are a preferred cell source for autologous revascularization strategies, since they can be harvested and propagated from small tissue biopsies. Biomaterials-based strategies for therapeutic delivery of cells are aimed at tailoring the cellular microenvironment to enhance the delivery, engraftment, and tissue-specific function of transplanted cells. In the present study, we investigated a modular tissue engineering approach to therapeutic revascularization using fibrin-based microtissues containing embedded human MVEC and human fibroblasts (FB). Microtissues were formed using a water-in-oil emulsion process that produced populations of spheroidal tissue modules with a diameter of 100-200 µm. The formation of MVEC sprouts within a fibrin matrix over 7 days in culture was dependent on the presence of FB, with the most robust sprouting occurring at a 1:3 MVEC:FB ratio. Cell viability in microtissues was high (>90%) and significant FB cell proliferation was observed over time in culture. Robust sprouting from microtissues was evident, with larger vessels developing over time and FB acting as pericyte-like cells by enveloping endothelial tubes. These neovessels were shown to form an interconnected vascular plexus over 14 days of culture when microtissues were embedded in a surrounding fibrin hydrogel. Vessel networks exhibited branching and inosculation of sprouts from adjacent microtissues, resulting in MVEC-lined capillaries with hollow lumens. Microtissues maintained in suspension culture aggregated to form larger tissue masses (1-2 mm in diameter) over 7 days. Vessels formed within microtissue aggregates at a 1:1 MVEC:FB ratio were small and diffuse, whereas the 1:3 MVEC:FB ratio produced large and highly interconnected vessels by day 14. This study highlights the utility of human MVEC as a cell source for revascularization strategies, and suggests that the ratio of endothelial to support cells can be used to tailor vessel characteristics. The modular microtissue format may allow minimally invasive delivery of populations of prevascularized microtissues for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Y. Rioja
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Andrew J. Putnam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jan P. Stegemann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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