Scaffold Biomaterials in Tissue Regeneration in Surgery

Abstract

This chapter will focus on the subject of tissue regeneration in a variety of different sur - gical fields and operations. We will explore the use of acellular dermal matrices, stem cell-based therapies, gene regulation, emerging 3D printing techniques and their poten - tial applications in surgery. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are biological materials derived from human or animal tissue through complicated and expensive decellularisa - tion processes, leading to acellular material that can be used to aid tissue healing. ADMs were first introduced for the treatment of burn injuries, but are now widely used in a variety of surgical fields, including abdominal wall and breast reconstruction. A wide range of materials can be used to produce ADMs, but usually include bovine, porcine or human tissues (e.g., dermis and pericardium). ADMs act as scaffolds onto which human tissue can incorporate, allowing for an innovative, yet a very effective way to aid tissue regeneration. Stem cell therapies also hold promise in aiding tissue regeneration in the coming years and we will also explore techniques that are currently being researched by prominent scientists all across the world. For example, adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a potentially revolutionary therapy in regenerative medicine. We will review the current evidence available