The Potential of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration for Craniofacial Bone

Seiichi Yamano

doi:10.4172/2161-1122.1000136

Abstract

Bone regeneration is a complex, well-coordinated physiological process. Large quantities of bone regeneration are often required for craniofacial skeletal reconstruction of large bone defects created by trauma, tumor resection, infection, and skeletal abnormalities. Over the last two decades, a tissue engineering and regeneration approach has been developed as an alternative to conventional surgical treatments using bone grafts. Tissue engineering methods have several advantages including the potential to regenerate bone with natural form and function. This review presents several key elements of tissue engineering for craniofacial bone: the signaling molecules (proteins and genes); scaffolds or supporting matrices; and cells. Furthermore, the advantages, challenges, and risks related with each element will be discussed.

Highlights

Grafting of autogenous bone has been considered the gold standard for treating craniofacial bone defects
Our results indicated that a sustained release of Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) from collagen membrane was observed for ~3 weeks with 100% of PDGF delivered
Huang et al [54] demonstrated that the co-expression of angiogenic and osteoinductive factors can enhance bone formation and that vascularization is critical in the overall process of bone regeneration

Summary

Introduction

Grafting of autogenous bone has been considered the gold standard for treating craniofacial bone defects. Huang et al [54] demonstrated that the co-expression of angiogenic and osteoinductive factors can enhance bone formation and that vascularization is critical in the overall process of bone regeneration They used human marrow stromal cells containing combinations of condensed plasmid DNA encoding Bmp-4 and Vegf with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds. Lee et al [55] demonstrated that the simultaneous administration of naked DNA vectors encoding Vegf and bFgf could synergistically enhance collateral vessel growth and tissue perfusion in a murine model of hind limb ischemia Together, these studies highlight the potential for using gene therapy to express unique combinations of regenerative molecules for bone formation and tissue regeneration. The main disadvantages of viral vectors are their immunogenic potential [61]

Adenovirus

Retrovirus

Liposomes

Findings

Polymers