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Tissue Engineering of a Human Sized And Shaped Auricle Using a Mold
Author(s) -
Kamil S. H.,
Vacanti M. P.,
Aminuddin B. S.,
Jackson M. J.,
Vacanti C. A.,
Eavey R. D.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200405000-00015
Subject(s) - auricle , cartilage , biomedical engineering , histology , tissue engineering , mold , materials science , anatomy , chondrogenesis , pathology , medicine , composite material
Objectives: The creation of a tissue‐engineered auricle was initially successful in an immunocompromised nude mouse model. Subsequently, an immunocompetent porcine model successfully generated a helical construct. We wished to evaluate the novel technique of using a mold to create a complete, anatomically refined auricle in a large animal model. Methods: Mixtures of autogenous chondrocytes and biodegradable polymers were used inside a perforated, auricle shaped hollow gold mold. Three biodegradable polymers (calcium alginate, pluronic F‐127, and polyglycolic acid) were used to retain the seeded chondrocytes inside the mold. These molds, along with a control, were implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal area of 10 animals (pigs and sheep). The constructs were removed after 8 to 20 weeks and were assessed by gross morphology and histology. Results: All the gold implants were well tolerated by the animals. The implants using calcium alginate (n = 3) generated constructs of the exact shape and size of a normal human ear; the histology demonstrated mostly normal cartilage with some persistent alginate. The implants with pluronic F‐127 (n = 3) resulted in cartilage with essentially normal histology, although leakage outside the molds and external cartilage generation was noted. Polyglycolic acid implants (n = 3) produced no useful cartilage because of an inflammatory reaction with fibrosis. The empty control mold (n = 1) demonstrated only a very small amount of fibrous tissue inside. Conclusion: A tissue‐engineered human sized auricle of normal anatomic definition can be generated in an immunocompetent large‐animal model using a mold technique. Although further refinements will be necessary, the technique appears promising for potential use in patients with microtia.