Hyaluronan benzyl ester as a scaffold for tissue engineering.
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on in vitro reconstruction of mammalian tissues. In order to allow a similar three-dimensional organization of in vitro cultured cells, biocompatible scaffolds are needed. This need has provided immense momentum for research on "smart scaffolds" for use in cell culture. One of the most promising materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a hyaluronan derivative: a benzyl ester of hyaluronan (HYAFF). HYAFF can be processed to obtain several types of devices such as tubes, membranes, non-woven fabrics, gauzes, and sponges. All these scaffolds are highly biocompatible. In the human body they do not elicit any adverse reactions and are resorbed by the host tissues. Human hepatocytes, dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, chondrocytes, Schwann cells, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells have been successfully cultured in these meshes. The same scaffolds, in tube meshes, has been applied for vascular tissue engineering that has emerged as a promising technology for the design of an ideal, responsive, living conduit with properties similar to that of native tissue.
Vindigni
Vincenzo
V
Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy.
Cortivo
Roberta
R
Dept of Histology, Microbiology and Biomedical Technologies, University of Padova Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Iacobellis
Laura
L
Dept of Histology, Microbiology and Biomedical Technologies, University of Padova Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Abatangelo
Giovanni
G
Dept of Histology, Microbiology and Biomedical Technologies, University of Padova Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Zavan
Barbara
B
0000-0002-4779-4456
Dept of Histology, Microbiology and Biomedical Technologies, University of Padova Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C086358:hyaluronic acid benzyl ester; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid