An integrated theoretical-experimental approach to accelerate translational tissue engineering

Abstract

Implantable devices utilizing bioengineered tissue are increasingly showing promise as viable clinical solutions. The design of bioengineered constructs is currently directed according to the results of experiments that are used to test a wide range of different combinations and spatial arrangements of biomaterials, cells and chemical factors. There is an outstanding need to accelerate the design process and reduce financial costs, whilst minimizing the required number of animal‐based experiments. These aims could be achieved through the incorporation of mathematical modelling as a preliminary design tool. Here we focus on tissue‐engineered constructs for peripheral nerve repair, which are designed to aid nerve and blood vessel growth and repair after peripheral nerve injury. We offer insight into the role that mathematical modelling can play within tissue engineering, and motivate the use of modelling as a tool capable of improving and accelerating the design of nerve repair constructs in particular. Specific case studies are presented in order to illustrate the potential of mathematical modelling to direct construct design. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Vascularization Strategies for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering

“…These features are highly challenging to characterize experimentally due to the cost and time limitations of extensive in vitro and in vivo experimentation. However, combining mathematical modeling with the experimental programme has significant potential to streamline the design process and accelerate the pipeline toward clinical translation, and this is the approach taken in our lab (Coy et al, ). Such mathematical models should be developed in parallel with preliminary experimentation, so that iteration between model predictions and experimental measurements can inform parameters (e.g., cell proliferation or oxygen consumption rates, etc.)…”

Modelling multi-scale cell–tissue interaction of tissue-engineered muscle constructs

“…A common challenge in both approaches however is to acquire model parameters from experimental observations. While substantial amount of data can be found in the literature in many biological systems, it is desirable to design experiments to obtain a set of specific model parameters for the chosen mathematical approach, as described in Coy et al 63 for nerve construct modelling accompanied by tailor-made experiments.…”

Polymeric 3D printed structures for soft‐tissue engineering

“…For three‐dimensional scaffolds, tunability and customization of various physical parameters is crucial. The ability of 3D printing technologies to provide greater control of porosity is a key advantage . Finely detailed, uniform porosity has been shown to be an important factor for cellular attachment and proliferation .…”

“…The ability of 3D printing technologies to provide greater control of porosity is a key advantage . Finely detailed, uniform porosity has been shown to be an important factor for cellular attachment and proliferation . This is due to the facilitation of nutrient transportation within the porous network which enhances rapid proliferation of cells.…”