Tracheal reconstruction using chondrocytes seeded on a poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-fibrin/hyaluronan

Abstract

Reconstruction of trachea is still a clinical dilemma. Tissue engineering is a recent and promising concept to resolve this problem. This study evaluated the feasibility of allogeneic chondrocytes cultured with fibrin/hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel and degradable porous poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold for partial tracheal reconstruction. Chondrocytes from rabbit articular cartilage were expanded and cultured with fibrin/HA hydrogel and injected into a 5 × 10 mm-sized, curved patch-shape PLGA scaffold. After 4 weeks in vitro culture, the scaffold was implanted on a tracheal defect in eight rabbits. Six and 10 weeks postoperatively, the implanted sites were evaluated by bronchoscope and radiologic and histologic analyses. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of regenerated epithelium was also evaluated. None of the eight rabbits showed any sign of respiratory distress. Bronchoscopic examination did not reveal stenosis of the reconstructed trachea and the defects were completely recovered with respiratory epithelium. Computed tomography scan showed good luminal contour of trachea. Histologic data showed that the implanted chondrocytes successfully formed neocartilage with minimal granulation tissue. CBF of regenerated epithelium was similar to that of normal epithelium. Partial tracheal defect was successfully reconstructed anatomically and functionally using allogeneic chondrocytes cultured with PLGA-fibrin/HA composite scaffold.

Fabrication of Chitosan Silk-based Tracheal Scaffold Using Freeze-Casting Method

“…Despite initial successes, the first artificial trachea based on the synthetic scaffold led to the generation of granulation tissue due to poor biocompatibility[15]. Hence, the fabrication of composites through the combination of natural and synthetic components, or the enhancement of structural properties of natural materials through novel fabrication techniques have been the major strategies in trachea tissue engineering[16]. …”

Activated Schwann Cell-Like Cells on Aligned Fibrin-Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Structures: A Novel Construct for Application in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

“…Not only is it important for hemostasis but it also acts as a provisional growth matrix for tissue-specific cells [Wong et al, 2003]. Fibrin sealants are used in several surgical applications and have become a versatile scaffold in the field of tissue engineering, augmenting regeneration in a variety of tissues such as bone [Peled et al, 2007;Weinand et al, 2007;Kaipel et al, 2012], skin [Falanga et al, 2007;Mittermayr et al, 2013], and cartilage [Hildner et al, 2009;Hong et al, 2014]. Fibrin is an especially important factor in nerve regeneration: after an injury, nerve stumps leak fibrin plasma exudate into the affected area, forming fibrin cables that enable Schwann cells to migrate towards the distal stump and form bands of Büngner [Williams et al, 1983;Belkas et al, 2004].…”

Tissue‐engineered trachea from a 3D‐printed scaffold enhances whole‐segment tracheal repair in a goat model

“…Incomplete epithelialization will result in the retention of dust particles, bacteria, and mucus secreted by mucous glands, eventually leading to inflammatory infection and mucus plugging. Anastomotic granulation tissue hyperplasia and obstruction. Increased anastomotic granulation leading to obstruction is believed to stem from surgical trauma, lack of epithelium, material degradation, or the stimulation of other factors (Bader & Macchiarini, ; Hong et al, ; Hosokawa et al, ; Kojima et al, ; Nakamura et al, ; Shin et al, ; Tatekawa et al, ; Wood, Murphy, Feng, & Wright, ).…”