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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
Tissue engineering for the treatment of short bowel syndrome in children
Laura Y Martin1,2, Mitchell R Ladd1,2, Adam Werts1,2,3
1Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
Insights
Developing an artificial intestine using intestinal stem cells on a bioscaffold offers a promising alternative to intestinal transplantation for short bowel syndrome (SBS). This approach leverages biomaterials and neovascularization to create a functional organ, addressing a critical need in pediatric medicine.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a significant cause of illness and death in children.
- Current treatments for SBS are mainly supportive, with intestinal transplantation carrying high risks.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve outcomes for children with SBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in developing an artificial intestine for treating short bowel syndrome.
- To explore the integration of intestinal stem cells, biomaterials, and vascularization techniques.
- To highlight progress and remaining challenges in creating a functional engineered intestine.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing intestinal stem cells seeded onto a bioscaffold with an absorptive surface.
- Investigating biomaterials that support cell growth and mimic native intestinal structure.
- Leveraging neovascularization strategies to establish a blood supply for the engineered construct.
- Focusing on developing a functional epithelium and mesenchymal niche within the artificial intestine.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in biomaterial development for intestinal tissue engineering.
- Techniques for promoting neovascularization in engineered tissues are advancing.
- Challenges remain in achieving a fully functional epithelium and mesenchymal niche that integrates seamlessly.
Conclusions:
- The development of an artificial intestine holds significant promise for treating short bowel syndrome.
- Continued research in biomaterials, vascularization, and stem cell biology is crucial.
- Overcoming current challenges is key to realizing a viable alternative to intestinal transplantation.
Abstract:
Short bowel syndrome is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Despite decades of experience in the management of short bowel syndrome, current therapy is primarily supportive. Definitive treatment often requires intestinal transplantation, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In order to develop novel approaches to the treatment of short bowel syndrome, we and others have focused on the development of an artificial intestine, by placing intestinal stem cells on a bioscaffold that has an absorptive surface resembling native intestine, and taking advantage of neovascularization to develop a blood supply. This review will explore recent advances in biomaterials, vascularization, and progress toward development of a functional epithelium and mesenchymal niche, highlighting both success and ongoing challenges in the field.
