Biomimetic approaches to complex craniofacial defects

Abstract

The primary goals of craniofacial reconstruction include the restoration of the form, function, and facial esthetics, and in the case of pediatric patients, respect for craniofacial growth. The surgeon, however, faces several challenges when attempting a reconstructive cranioplasty. For that reason, craniofacial defect repair often requires sophisticated treatment strategies and multidisciplinary input. In the ideal situation, autologous tissue similar in structure and function to that which is missing can be utilized for repair. In the context of the craniofacial skeleton, autologous cranial bone, or secondarily rib, iliac crest, or scapular bone, is most favorable. Often, this option is limited by the finite supply of available bone. Therefore, alternative strategies to repair craniofacial defects are necessary. In the field of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising concept, and several methods of bone engineering are currently under investigation. A growth factor-based approach utilizing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) has demonstrated stimulatory effects on cranial bone and defect repair. When combined with cell-based and matrix-based models, regenerative goals can be optimized. This manuscript intends to review recent investigations of tissue engineering models used for the repair of craniofacial defects with a focus on the role of BMPs, scaffold materials, and novel cell lines. When sufficient autologous bone is not available, safe and effective strategies to engineer bone would allow the surgeon to meet the reconstructive goals of the craniofacial skeleton.

Chemical group-dependent plasma polymerisation preferentially directs adipose stem cell differentiation towards osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages

“…Craniofacial defects caused by congenital deformities, cancer, trauma or burns remain one of the greatest challenges for plastic and reconstructive surgeons [1] . Currently, surgical options to restore bone and cartilage defects includes autologous grafts, causing donor site morbidity and are limited by the availability of suitable tissue [1] .…”

“…Craniofacial defects caused by congenital deformities, cancer, trauma or burns remain one of the greatest challenges for plastic and reconstructive surgeons [1] . Currently, surgical options to restore bone and cartilage defects includes autologous grafts, causing donor site morbidity and are limited by the availability of suitable tissue [1] . Synthetic options available include inert materials such as porous polyethylene Medpor, which acts as a mechanical support for tissue ingrowth but does not allow for bone or cartilage regeneration [1] .…”

Changing Paradigms in Cranio-Facial Regeneration: Current and New Strategies for the Activation of Endogenous Stem Cells

“…The use of scaffolds that accurately reproduce the structure of the native ECM (the so-called biomimetic scaffolds ) is particularly useful in cranio-facial bone defects, as they play the role of template analogous for complex anatomical form while minimizing supply constraints. These types of scaffold vary in pore size, mechanical properties and degree of biodegrability, according to their chemical structure (Teven et al, 2015 ; see Table 1 ).…”

Response of hPDLSCs on 3D printed PCL/PLGA composite scaffolds in�vitro

“…Alveolar bone defect is a common clinic issue, which may be caused by multiple factors, including inflammation, trauma, tumor, or congenital and developmental disorders ( 1 ). It may have a serious impact on chewing and pronunciation, and may even lead to serious facial dysfunction and deformities ( 2 ). Therefore, efficient alveolar bone restoration is required to restore function and appearance.…”