New technique for needle-less implantation of eukaryotic cells.

Background Aims: On review of the use of stem cells in the literature, promissory outcomes for functional organ recovery in many subspecialties in medicine underscore its therapeutic potential. The application of stem cells through the use of a needle can result in additional scar formation, which is undesired for delicate organs. The present work describes the use of a needle-less stem cell injector with the Immediate Drop on Demand Technology (I-DOT) for cell injection in vitro.

Is there a need for smooth muscle cell transplantation in urethral reconstruction?

Background: Hypospadias and urethral strictures are conditions requiring additional tissue for reconstruction. Due to a limited source of tissue, autologous skin and oral mucosa are frequently used. However, long-term follow-up studies demonstrated significant complications and diminished quality of life.

In-vivo performance of high-density collagen gel tubes for urethral regeneration in a rabbit model.

Congenital malformations or injuries of the urethra can be treated using existing autologous tissue, but these procedures are sometimes associated with severe complications. Therefore, tissue engineering may be advantageous for generating urethral grafts. We evaluated engineered high-density collagen gel tubes as urethral grafts in 16 male New Zealand white rabbits.