title: An integrated theoretical-experimental approach to accelerate translational tissue engineering.
abstract: Implantable devices utilizing bioengineered tissue are increasingly showing promise as viable clinical solutions. The design of bioengineered constructs is currently directed according to the results of experiments that are used to test a wide range of different combinations and spatial arrangements of biomaterials, cells and chemical factors. There is an outstanding need to accelerate the design process and reduce financial costs, whilst minimizing the required number of animal-based experiments. These aims could be achieved through the incorporation of mathematical modelling as a preliminary design tool. Here we focus on tissue-engineered constructs for peripheral nerve repair, which are designed to aid nerve and blood vessel growth and repair after peripheral nerve injury. We offer insight into the role that mathematical modelling can play within tissue engineering, and motivate the use of modelling as a tool capable of improving and accelerating the design of nerve repair constructs in particular. Specific case studies are presented in order to illustrate the potential of mathematical modelling to direct construct design. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
authors: CoMPLEX, University College London, London, UK.
authors: Rachel H
authors: 0000-0001-6925-4461
authors: RH
authors: Coy
authors: Department of Mathematics, Columbia University, USA.
authors: Owen R
authors: OR
authors: Evans
authors: Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
authors: James B
authors: JB
authors: Phillips
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
authors: Rebecca J
authors: RJ
authors: Shipley
mesh_terms: D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical
keywords: mathematical modelling; peripheral nerve repair; translational research