Composite Regenerative Scaffolds

Sammanfattning: Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering solutions of heavily innervated tissues are at this point lacklustre. This thesis expands our knowledge of appropriate acellular scaffolds for tissue repair in general and nerve regeneration in particular. The optimal surgical procedure for the implantation of artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) was evaluated for recombinant human collagen (RHCIII) implants. Suturing techniques, as well as the usage of human amniotic membrane “bandages” were evaluated. While complete regeneration of corneal tissues occurred, only slight differences in effects of surgical technique could be found.The safety and efficacy of clinical trials using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was evaluated by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. MSC therapy was shown to be safe, with no increases mortality, rehospitalization or adverse events. There was also an indication of efficacy, as the overall mortality in the studies included was significantly smaller in the MSC treated group.Multicomponent hydrogel capsules encapsulating single cells were developed. Capsules manufactured from gelatin, agarose and fibrinogen were compared to pure gelatin capsules. The composite capsules successfully delayed cell release and prolonged cell survival.Surface patterning of collagen based biomimetic corneas was performed by microcontact printing. The ability of different sizes of fibronectin stripes to stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation was compared. The patterned surfaces improved cell adhesion, as well as proliferation markers.Conductive polymer composites were manufactured for use as nerve guides. The guides were created from electrospun polycaprolactone fibers coated with a series of different poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films. A comparison of nerve progenitor growth and differentiation on the composite fibers was performed. Both the effects of fiber composition and MSC co-culture was investigated, with or without electrostimulation. MSC treatments and polymer coating was both important for nerve cell differentiation and growth.