Abstract
Oral mucosa and salivary gland are composed of complex and dynamic networks of extracellular matrix, multiple cell types, vasculature, and various biochemical agents. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture is commonly used in testing new drugs and experimental therapies. However, 2D cell culture cannot fully replicate the architecture, physiological, and pathological microenvironment of living human oral mucosa and salivary glands. Recent microengineering techniques offer state of the science cell culture models that can recapitulate human organ structures and functions. This narrative review describes emerging in vitro models of oral and salivary gland tissue such as 3D cell culture models, spheroid and organoid models, tissue-on-a-chip, and functional decellularized scaffolds. Clinical applications of these models are also discussed in this review.
Highlights
Oral mucosa and salivary glands are composed of complex and dynamic networks of extracellular matrix, multiple cell types and neuro-vasucaluar networks
The oral mucosa is composed of three layers: superficial layer epithelium, basement membrane, and a core of lamina propria
The epithelium is made of stratified squamous epithelium and the lamina propria consists of collagen and fibroblasts
Summary
Oral mucosa and salivary glands are composed of complex and dynamic networks of extracellular matrix, multiple cell types and neuro-vasucaluar networks. Recent microengineering techniques offer state of the science cell culture models that can recapitulate human organ structures and functions. They are offering minimal functional units that are usually made of human cells in 3D architecture and perfused with fluid simulating the body circulation. It allows a direct assessment of cellular biochemical and metabolic activities. This narrative review describes emerging in vitro models of oral and salivary gland tissue such as 3D cell culture models, spheroid, and organoid models, tissue-on-a-chip, and functional decellularized scaffolds. Clinical applications of these models are discussed in this review
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