Abstract
The integration of healing, cell biology, and skin tissue engineering research has been ongoing for almost 60 years. In this chapter, we provide an eagle's eye view of skin anatomy and functions, wound healing processes, and the challenges related to wound healing that tissue engineers face. Several biomaterials have been examined for their potential use in skin substitutes to replace/regenerate skin with normal structure and function. However, it is obvious that the ideal skin substitute does not exist. The problems and challenges in the skin substitutes currently available include low mechanical properties, lack of biocompatibility, minimal structural differentiation, limited vascularization (low take rate), and scar development. However, an articulation between skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine may bring transforming advances in this field that may lead to the ability to restore skin structure and function. Through the combination of stem cell manipulation, angiogenesis control, advanced bioactive molecules, and smart biomaterials development, it may be possible to design an authentic skin substitute or an engineered composite that induces skin regeneration.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Tissue and Organ Engineering |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Pages | 467-499 |
| Number of pages | 33 |
| Volume | 5 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780080552941 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2011 |
Keywords
- Biomaterial
- Collagen
- Fibronectin
- Growth factors
- Hyaluronic acid
- Skin grafts
- Skin regeneration
- Skin tissue engineering
- Stem cells
- Vascularization
- Wound healing