Establishment and characterization of a rat model of scalp–cranial composite defect for multilayered tissue engineering
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Composite cranial defects have individual functional and aesthetic ramifications, as well as societal burden, while posing significant challenges for reconstructive surgeons. Single-stage composite reconstruction of these deformities entail complex surgeries that bear many short- and long-term risks and complications. Current research on composite scalp-cranial defects is sparse and one-dimensional, often focusing solely on bone or skin. Thus, there is an unmet need for a simple, clinically relevant composite defect model in rodents, where there is a challenge in averting healing of the skin component via secondary intention. By utilizing a customizable (3D-printed) wound obturator, the scalp wound can be rendered non-healing for a long period (more than 6 weeks), with the cranial defect patent. The wound obturator shows minimal biotoxicity and will not cause severe endocranium-granulation adhesion. This composite defect model effectively slowed the scalp healing process and preserved the cranial defect, embodying the characteristics of a "chronic composite defect". In parallel, an autologous reconstruction model was established as the positive control. This positive control exhibited reproducible healing of the skin within 3 weeks with variable degrees of osseointegration, consistent with clinical practice. Both models provide a stable platform for subsequent research not only for composite tissue engineering and scaffold design but also for mechanistic studies of composite tissue healing.
Source: International Journal of Surgery
Authors: Yi Zhu, Ou Mei, Hui Zhang, Wulin You, Jiamin Zhong, Caralyn P. Collins, Guowei Shen, Changqi Luo, Xingye Wu, Jingjing Li, Yi Shu, Ya Wen, Hue H. Luu, Lewis L. Shi, Jiaming Fan, Tong-Chuan He, Guillermo A. Ameer, Cheng Sun, Liangyuan Wen, Russell R. Reid
Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, Beijing Hospital, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Northwestern University, Nanjing Medical University, Second People’s Hospital of Yibin, The Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Capital Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
OpenAlex ID: W4403185124