Cartilage and facial muscle tissue engineering and regeneration: a mini review

Abstract

Cartilage and facial muscle tissue provide basic yet vital functions for homeostasis throughout the body, making human survival and function highly dependent upon these somatic components. When cartilage and facial muscle tissues are harmed or completely destroyed due to disease, trauma, or any other degenerative process, homeostasis and basic body functions consequently become negatively affected. Although most cartilage and cells can regenerate themselves after any form of the aforementioned degenerative disease or trauma, the highly specific characteristics of facial muscles and the specific structures of the cells and tissues required for the proper function cannot be exactly replicated by the body itself. Thus, some form of cartilage and bone tissue engineering is necessary for proper regeneration and function. The use of progenitor cells for this purpose would be very beneficial due to their highly adaptable capabilities, as well as their ability to utilize a high diffusion rate, making them ideal for the specific nature and functions of cartilage and facial muscle tissue. Going along with this, once the progenitor cells are obtained, applying them to a scaffold within the oral cavity in the affected location allows them to adapt to the environment and create cartilage or facial muscle tissue that is specific to the form and function of the area. The principal function of the cartilage and tissue is vascularization, which requires a specific form that allows them to aid the proper flow of bodily functions related to the oral cavity such as oxygen flow and removal of waste. Facial muscle is also very thin, making its reproduction much more possible. Taking all these into consideration, this review aims to highlight and expand upon the primary benefits of the cartilage and facial muscle tissue engineering and regeneration, focusing on how these processes are performed outside of and within the body.