Hydrogels in adipose tissue engineering—Potential application in post‐mastectomy breast regeneration

Abstract

Current methods of breast reconstruction are associated with significant shortcomings, including capsular contracture, infection, rupture, the need for reoperation in implant-based reconstruction, and donor site morbidity in autologous reconstruction.These limitations result in severe physical and psychological issues for breast cancer patients. Recently, research has moved into the field of adipose tissue engineering to overcome these limitations. A wide range of regenerative strategies has been devised utilising various scaffold designs and biomaterials. A scaffold capable of providing appropriate biochemical and biomechanical cues for adipogenesis is required.Hydrogels have been widely studied for their suitability for adipose tissue regeneration and are advantageous secondary to their ability to accurately imitate the native extracellular matrix. The aim of this review was to analyse the use of hydrogel scaffolds in the field of adipose tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies for the female breast

“…The same production techniques can be used for more than one type of material. The pros and cons of each scaffold material are summarized (O'Halloran et al, ; O'Halloran et al, ).…”

“…The production of the three categories of scaffolds described above is based on different techniques: 3‐D printing, sponge, hydrogel, and microbeads (O'Halloran et al, ). O'Halloran, Dolan, Kerin, Lowery, and Duffy () concentrated on the characterization of biological, synthetic, and natural hydrogels because of their potential in regenerative therapies due to their particular characteristics. Hydrogels are 3‐D cross‐linked hydrophilic networks that absorb and maintain large quantities of fluids and incorporate live cells.…”

“…Despite the numerous advantages listed above, the principal limitation regarding adipose tissue regeneration in breast reconstruction is the difficulty of generating sufficient tissue volume to recreate the breast mound postmastectomy (O'Halloran et al, ).…”

“…Classification of different scaffolds based on features, production techniques The same production techniques can be used for more than one type of material. The pros and cons of each scaffold material are summarized(O'Halloran et al, 2017;O'Halloran et al, 2018). Abbreviations: ASC, adipose stem cells; ECM, extracellular matrix; PCL, polycaprolactone; PEG, poly (ethylene)glycol; PLGA, polylactic-co-glycolic acid.…”

Engineering 3D degradable, pliable scaffolds toward adipose tissue regeneration; optimized printability, simulations and surface modification

“…9,12 Hydrogels are widely used and show good results in soft tissue reconstruction as an alternative to current methods and fillers. [13][14][15][16] However, the potential to scale up for large volume adipose tissue defect with adequate shape, size and structural integrity over time remains questionable. Alternatively, the use of synthetic degradable polymers with the aid of additive manufacturing/3D printing to manufacture customized 3D scaffolds is a promising approach to regenerate large portion of adipose tissue.…”