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.
Cutis
|October 27, 1998
Summary
Tissue-engineered skin replacements have advanced significantly from early grafts. This review covers key developments, including cultured cells and matrices, leading to modern products like Apligraf.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
Context:
- Skin grafting has evolved from traditional methods to advanced tissue-engineered solutions.
- Significant research has focused on developing living skin replacements.
- The progression includes cultured cells, composite grafts, and acellular/cellular matrices.
Purpose:
- To review the historical development of tissue-engineered skin replacements.
- To highlight key precursor technologies and their scientific rationale.
- To describe the advancements leading to the development of Apligraf.
Summary:
- This review traces the evolution of skin replacement strategies, from autografts and allografts to sophisticated tissue-engineered products.
- It details foundational work on cultured autologous and allogeneic keratinocyte grafts, composite grafts, and various collagen matrices.
- The review also explains the scientific basis for newer products and the technical innovations behind Apligraf, a tissue-engineered human skin substitute.
Impact:
- Provides a historical overview of tissue-engineered skin development.
- Identifies key scientific and technical milestones in the field.
- Offers insights into the progression towards advanced skin replacement therapies like Apligraf.