Activated Schwann Cell-Like Cells on Aligned Fibrin-Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Structures: A Novel Construct for Application in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

Tissue engineering approaches in nerve regeneration search for ways to support gold standard therapy (autologous nerve grafts) and to improve results by bridging nerve defects with different kinds of conduits. In this study, we describe electrospinning of aligned fibrin-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers in an attempt to create a biomimicking tissue-like material seeded with Schwann cell-like cells (SCLs) in vitro for potential use as an in vivo scaffold. Rat adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) were differentiated into SCLs and evaluated with flow cytometry concerning their differentiation and activation status [S100b, P75, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and protein 0 (P0)].

Vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2 incorporation in starch-based bone tissue-engineered constructs promote the in vivo expression of neovascularization mediators.

The ideal bone tissue-engineered (TE) construct remains to be found, although daily discoveries significantly contribute to improvements in the field and certainly have valuable long-term outcomes. In this work, different TE elements, aiming at bone TE applications, were assembled and its effect on the expression of several vascularization/angiogenesis mediators analyzed. Starch/polycaprolactone (SPCL) scaffolds, obtained by two different methodologies, were combined with fibrin sealant (Baxter(®)), human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), and growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] or fibroblast growth factor-2 [FGF-2]), and implanted in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2)-luc transgenic mice.

BMP-2 but not VEGF or PDGF in fibrin matrix supports bone healing in a delayed-union rat model.

Treatment of delayed bone healing and non-unions after fractures, osteotomies or arthrodesis still is a relevant clinical challenge. Artificially applied growth factors can increase bone healing and progressively gain importance in clinical routine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of rhPDGF-BB, rhVEGF-165, and rhBMP-2 in fibrin matrix on bone healing in a delayed-union rat model.

Enhanced reporter gene assay for the detection of osteogenic differentiation.

Detection of osteogenic differentiation is crucial for bone tissue engineering. Despite established standard end point assays, there is increasing demand for methods allowing noninvasive kinetic differentiation monitoring. Reporter gene assays employing tissue-specific promoters and suitable reporter genes fulfill these requirements.