2023-09-19 14:30:02
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services states that tissue engineering evolved from the field of biomaterials development and refers to the practice of combining scaffolds, cells, and biologically active molecules to create functional fabrics. Its goal is to restore, maintain or improve damaged tissues or entire organs.
Regenerative medicine is a broader field that includes tissue engineering and focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. This field also investigates how the body can use its own systems, sometimes with the help of external biological material, to rebuild cells, tissues, and organs.
The terms “tissue engineering” and “regenerative medicine” are often used interchangeably, as both seek to cure complex and chronic diseases. instead of just treating them.
How do tissue engineering and regenerative medicine work?
Cells are the fundamental components of tissue and these, in turn, are the basic unit of function in the body. Clusters of cells secrete their own supporting structure called extracellular matrix, which not only serves as support but also acts as a signaling station that allows cells to receive messages from the local environment. These signals initiate chain responses that determine cell fate and function.
Scaffolds made from a wide variety of materials are used to create new fabrics. Cells are introduced into these scaffolds, either alone or together with growth factors, and if conditions are conducive, functional tissue develops. In some cases, cells, scaffolds and growth factors are mixed at the same time, allowing the tissue to “self-assemble.”
Additionally, an existing scaffold, such as a collagen scaffold from a donated organ, can also be used to create new tissue. In this case, the patient’s cells are grown on the scaffold, reducing the risk of rejection by the immune system.
How are tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applied in current medical practice?
Currently, tissue engineering has a limited role in treating patients. Although tissues such as supplemental bladders, small arteries, skin and cartilage grafts have been successfully implanted in patients, these procedures are still experimental and expensive. Although more complex organ tissues such as the heart, lung and liver have been successfully recreated in the laboratory, there is still much work to be done to make them fully reproducible and ready to be implanted in patients.
However, these tissues can be extremely useful in medical research, especially in the development of new drugs. The use of functional human tissue in drug selection can accelerate drug development and provide key tools to facilitate personalized medicine, saving money and reducing the need to use animals in research.
NIBIB research in the areas of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Some examples of the investigations that are underway in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and which demonstrate the potential of these technologies to transform medical practice in the future, are advanced by researchers funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, among whom are find:
Control of stem cells through their environment: Researchers have discovered that the environment in which stem cells are grown can influence their development and ability to become different types of cells. This discovery is important for harnessing stem cells in medical applications.Implantation of human livers in mice: Researchers have developed human liver tissue that can be implanted into mice. This allows testing drug toxicity and studying species-specific responses in a way that would not be possible in clinical trials.Creation of mature bone stem cells: Researchers have managed to differentiate stem cells in mature bone grafts, which is an important advance for the regeneration of functional bone tissue.Using lattices to help engineered fabric survive: Lattices made from a sugar solution are being developed to provide a vascular structure to engineered tissues, allowing cells to receive nutrients and remove waste.New hope for injured knee: A biological gel has been developed that can be injected into damaged cartilage to facilitate regeneration. This gel adheres to cartilage using a biological adhesive, which has shown promising results in pain reduction and cartilage regeneration.Regeneration of a new kidney: Advances have been made in kidney tissue regeneration using collagen scaffolds and epithelial and endothelial cells. This could provide a solution to the shortage of kidney donors and the problems associated with transplants.
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