Histological and mechanical properties of autologous living tissue biotubes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate biotubes consisting of autologous tissues. The biotubes were prepared by intra-abdominally embedding silicon rods as moulds. The specimens were analyzed by mechanical tests, histological observation and superficial study. The intra-abdominal implantation of the silicone tubes readily stimulated the development of the biotubes. The biotubes consisted of collagen-rich extracellular matrices. Myofibroblasts appeared as elongated cells with circumferential or longitudinal orientations. Subsequent to one month of embedding, the thickness of the tube wall was 70–250 μm. The burst strength was 1100±187 mmHg and the suturability was excellent. Biotubes that have the ability to be widely variable in their shapes are composed of autologous cells and glomerular extracellular matrices. Biotubes are ideal grafts for tissue engineering as they are able to avoid immunological rejection and are of sufficient mechanical strength.

Arteriovenous access in hemodialysis: A multidisciplinary perspective for future solutions

“…Other options are some developments of autologous biotubes 134,135 a graft, which is grown inside the host by implanting subcutaneously a foreign body precursor in the shape of a compact rod. Through the inflammation process and fibrosis, the ECM is deposited by fibroblasts around the rod and forms a tubular structure.…”