Bench to Bedside: Approaches for Engineered Intestine, Esophagus, and Colon

The generation of tissue engineered organs from autologous cells will allow replacement of diseased or absent organs without the need for immunosuppression. Common steps of tissue engineering include isolation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, preparation of synthetic or biologic scaffold, and implantation into a host to support the proliferation of engineered tissue. Some organs have been successfully transplanted in human patients; gastrointestinal tract tissues are nearing clinical introduction. The state of the science has progressed rapidly and providers and researchers alike must take appropriate steps to ensure strict adherence to ethical standards before introduction to human therapy.