The Significance of Biomechanics and Scaffold Structure for Bladder Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Current approaches for bladder reconstruction surgery are associated with many morbidities. Tissue engineering is considered an ideal approach to create constructs capable of restoring the function of the bladder wall. However, many constructs to date have failed to create a sufficient improvement in bladder capacity due to insufficient neobladder compliance. This review evaluates the biomechanical properties of the bladder wall and how the current reconstructive materials aim to meet this need. To date, limited data from mechanical testing and tissue anisotropy make it challenging to reach a consensus on the native properties of the bladder wall. Many of the materials whose mechanical properties have been quantified do not fall within the range of mechanical properties measured for native bladder wall tissue. Many promising new materials have yet to be mechanically quantified, which makes it difficult to ascertain their likely effectiveness. The impact of scaffold structures and the long-term effect of implanting these materials on their inherent mechanical properties are areas yet to be widely investigated that could provide important insight into the likely longevity of the neobladder construct. In conclusion, there are many opportunities for further investigation into novel materials for bladder reconstruction. Currently, the field would benefit from a consensus on the target values of key mechanical parameters for bladder wall scaffolds.

A biodegradable microgrooved and tissue mechanocompatible citrate-based scaffold improves bladder tissue regeneration

“…Non-compliant tissue significantly hinders function as it limits the expansion and contraction cycles, and fibrotic tissue in particular has been shown to be less compliant than healthy bladder tissue. 32 Only the Microgrooved group showed a slight decrease in compliance postaugmentation, but all animals maintained normal compliance over the course of the study. Overall, it appears that the microtopography did not have a significant effect in terms of bladder function; however, our results suggest that cell-free POCO supports normal function and limits scar tissue formation, representing an important progression towards development of an alternative graft material for BAE.…”

Analysis of bioprinting strategies for skin diseases and injuries through structural and temporal dynamics: historical perspectives, research hotspots, and emerging trends

“…In addition to previously mentioned factors, tissue-engineered skin can also be enhanced by incorporating growth factors and other biomolecules (drugs, antibiotics, etc) [143,144]. These participate in regulating several processes related to wound healing, with the ECM identified as a critical factor in growth factor regulation and delivery [145].…”

Functionalised-biomatrix for wound healing and cutaneous regeneration: future impactful medical products in clinical translation and precision medicine

“…These structures give mechanical stability and support to the tissue, as well as a vehicle for transferring bioactive compounds (drugs, antibiotics, growth factors, etc.) and templates for the attachment of genetically modified cells that generate new tissue regeneration centers (Chan and Leong, 2008;Hanczar et al, 2021). Moreover, the complex structure of the native tissue can be replicated using multifunctional bioscaffolds as potential tissue The least inhibitory value means the scaffold is not toxic (Kamal et al, 2013).…”