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Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
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Tissue Engineering Laboratory Models of the Small Intestine
Rasha Hatem Dosh1,2, Nicola Jordan-Mahy1, Christopher Sammon3
11 Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University , Sheffield, United Kingdom .
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews
|September 20, 2017
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models offer superior intestinal tissue organization compared to 2D systems. This review examines 3D models, cell sources, and scaffolds for effective intestinal mucosa engineering.
Area of Science:
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are increasingly utilized for studying the small intestine due to their ability to support complex cellular processes.
- These advanced models facilitate cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, promoting tissue organization unattainable in traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures.
- Variations in cell behavior and tissue organization are observed based on the diverse scaffolds and substrates employed in these culture systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering models of the intestine.
- To identify the most effective sources of intestinal cells for in vitro and in vivo modeling.
- To assess support scaffolds that can induce the morphological architecture and function of the intestinal mucosa.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing 2D and 3D intestinal cell culture models.
- Analysis of studies using intestinal stem cells, organoid units, and cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, HT29-MTX).
- Evaluation of various cell culture scaffolds and support substrates.
Main Results:
- 3D models demonstrate enhanced capacity for supporting intestinal cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and tissue organization compared to 2D models.
- Different cell sources (stem cells, organoids, cell lines) and scaffolds significantly influence cell behavior and tissue architecture.
- Specific scaffolds show potential in recapitulating the morphological architecture and function of the intestinal mucosa.
Conclusions:
- 3D intestinal models represent a significant advancement over 2D systems for studying intestinal biology.
- The choice of cell source and scaffold is critical for developing functional intestinal tissue models.
- Further research into optimized scaffolds is needed to fully replicate intestinal mucosa architecture and function in vitro.

