Related Experiment Videos
Tissue engineering and the development of Apligraf, a human skin equivalent
1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA.
Clinical Therapeutics
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Skin grafting has advanced from traditional methods to innovative tissue-engineered skin replacements. This review highlights key developments, including cultured cells and matrices, leading to products like Apligraf.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
Context:
- Skin grafting has evolved significantly over time.
- Early methods included autografts and allografts.
- Modern approaches involve biosynthetic and tissue-engineered skin substitutes.
Purpose:
- To review the historical development of tissue-engineered skin replacements.
- To detail the precursors leading to current advanced products.
- To discuss the technical advancements behind Apligraf.
Summary:
- This review traces the evolution of skin grafting from basic techniques to advanced tissue engineering.
- It covers key milestones such as cultured keratinocyte grafts, composite grafts, and acellular/cellular matrices.
- The development of Apligraf, a specific tissue-engineered human skin product, is also described.
Impact:
- Provides a historical overview of skin replacement technologies.
- Highlights the scientific progression towards living skin substitutes.
- Informs future research and development in regenerative dermatology.