Work

Stem Cells

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: With the rapidly expanding field of tissue engineering, surgeons have been eager to apply these principles to craniofacial surgery. Tissue-engineering strategies combine the use of a cell type placed on a scaffold and subsequently implanted in vivo to address a tissue defect or tissue dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the current clinical need for skeletal and soft tissue engineering faced by craniofacial surgeons and subsequently explore cell types and scaffold designs being used for tissue-engineering treatment options. We conclude by discussing ways to enhance the vascularity of tissue-engineered constructs as this ultimately allows for a definitive repair. Current “stem cell” options include pluripotent stem cells as well as multipotent mesenchymal cells. Biomimetic scaffolds can function to protect and enhance differentiation of stem cells by providing inductive cues. Larger-scale studies including prospective, randomized controlled trials must be performed to determine the optimum cell delivery method and cytokine stimuli for tissue engineering–driven strategies to address the clinical needs in skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction.

Source: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

DOI: 10.1097/scs.0b013e318241dbaf