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In Vivo Engineering and Transplantation of Axially Vascularized and Epithelialized Flaps in Rats
Simon Andreas Mayer1,2, Benjamin Thomas1,2, Miriam Heuer3
1Department of Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|April 16, 2024
Summary
Engineered arteriovenous loop (AVL) flaps with an epithelial layer using keratinocyte injection in rats. These enhanced AVL flaps were successfully transplanted for local tissue defect reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Arteriovenous loop (AVL) flaps are engineered for vascularized tissue reconstruction.
- Current AVL flaps lack an epithelial layer, limiting their application.
- A method to create epithelialized AVL flaps is needed for defect coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer axially vascularized AVL flaps with an epithelial layer for local defect reconstruction.
- To evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive keratinocyte injection for epithelialization.
- To assess the suitability of these engineered flaps for transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of AVL models in Lewis rats.
- Minimally invasive injection of keratinocytes onto AVL flaps.
- Evaluation of epithelial formation via immunofluorescence staining.
- Transplantation of engineered flaps to cover critical defects.
Main Results:
- A single-layered epithelium formed within 3 days post-keratinocyte injection.
- A multilayered, structured epithelium resembling native skin developed within 9 days.
- Transplanted flaps demonstrated physiological epithelial differentiation.
- Control flaps without keratinocytes showed no epithelial growth.
Conclusions:
- Axially vascularized AVL flaps can be successfully epithelialized using minimally invasive keratinocyte injection.
- Engineered epithelialized AVL flaps are suitable for transplantation in small animal models.
- This technique offers a promising approach for local tissue defect reconstruction.
