Fundamental Technologies and Recent Advances of Cell-Sheet-Based Tissue Engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Tissue engineering has seen significant advancements since the 1980s.
• Cell sheet technology has emerged as a promising strategy for generating cell-dense tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fundamental techniques and recent advances in cell-sheet-based tissue engineering.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of cell sheet fabrication, functional enhancement, and vasculogenesis promotion.

Main Methods:

• Review of temperature-responsive polymer-based techniques and alternative cell sheet fabrication methods.
• Investigation of strategies to improve cell sheet function, including electrical/mechanical stimulation, 3D structuring, and co-culturing.
• Introduction of culture methods for promoting vasculogenesis using in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro bioreactors.

Main Results:

• Established cell sheet fabrication technologies, including the foundational temperature-responsive polymer method.
• Identified methods for enhancing cell sheet function to better mimic physiological conditions.
• Presented bioreactor-based approaches to promote vasculogenesis within layered cell sheets.

Conclusions:

• The review consolidates fundamental technologies and recent progress in cell-sheet tissue engineering.
• Further development in cell sheet technology is expected to drive innovation in bioengineering and regenerative medicine.