In vitro activation of the neuro-transduction mechanism in sensitive organotypic human skin model.

Recent advances in tissue engineering have encouraged researchers to endeavor the production of fully functional three-dimensional (3D) thick human tissues in vitro. Here, we report the fabrication of a fully innervated human skin tissue in vitro that recapitulates and replicates skin sensory function. Previous attempts to innervate in vitro 3D skin models did not demonstrate an effective functionality of the nerve network.

ECM-based triple layered scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering.

The present study focused on the development of three layered small-diameter (<6 mm) extracellular matrix (ECM)-based vessels. These were engineered artificially through the freeze-drying technique. A layer of decellularized bovine aorta (DAM) was deposited on a mandrel and, after lyophilization, it was dipped into a poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2000 dichloromethane solution then quickly wrapped with a pre-prepared thin DAM sheet.

Decellularized bovine reinforced vessels for small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a decellularization protocol on the structure and the mechanical behavior of small-diameter (<6 mm) tibial calf arteries and veins. Calf vessels were decellularized by a detergent-enzymatic method (DEM), partially hydrolyzed with trypsin and subsequently cross-linked using poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether. Our results showed that i) the DEM can be considered a simple and valuable procedure for the preparation of complete acellular arteries and veins able to preserve a high degree of collagen and elastic fibers, and ii) poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether cross-linking treatment provides appropriate mechanical reinforcement of blood vessels.