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A Protocol for Decellularizing Mouse Cochleae for Inner Ear Tissue Engineering
Published on: January 1, 2018
Tissue engineering of a human sized and shaped auricle using a mold
S H Kamil1, M P Vacanti, B S Aminuddin
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and the Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02114, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|May 6, 2004
Summary
A novel mold technique successfully created a tissue-engineered auricle in a large animal model. Calcium alginate within gold molds yielded anatomically correct cartilage, showing promise for treating microtia.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Previous attempts at tissue-engineered auricle creation showed success in immunocompromised models.
- A helical construct was previously generated in an immunocompetent porcine model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel mold technique for creating a complete, anatomically refined auricle.
- To assess the feasibility of this technique in a large animal model.
Main Methods:
- Autogenous chondrocytes and biodegradable polymers (calcium alginate, pluronic F-127, polyglycolic acid) were used within hollow gold molds.
- Molds were implanted subcutaneously in pigs and sheep for 8-20 weeks.
- Constructs were analyzed via gross morphology and histology.
Main Results:
- Calcium alginate molds produced anatomically accurate, human-sized ear constructs with mostly normal cartilage.
- Pluronic F-127 molds resulted in normal cartilage histology but showed leakage and external cartilage formation.
- Polyglycolic acid molds induced inflammation and fibrosis, yielding no useful cartilage.
Conclusions:
- A tissue-engineered auricle with normal anatomical definition can be generated in immunocompetent large animals using a mold technique.
- The calcium alginate-based mold technique shows significant promise for future clinical applications in microtia reconstruction.
- Further refinements are needed, but the technique is a promising step towards patient treatment.
