Novel Scaffolding Approaches for the Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Suwan Jayasinghe,
Group Leader,
University College London
Scaffolds are critical for reconstructing a fully cellularised tissue. In this presentation the author presents and discusses the many approaches said to have promise in this endeavour, namely in the reconstruction of tissues, greatly demanded in regenerative medicine. The methods chosen and highlighted in this presentation are based on their perceived promise as postulated in the literature. These methods are further distilled and categorised into either direct and in-direct methods by their ability to either handle the cells and added materials simultaneously or not. Additionally, the author raises another important facet previously not given any thought to, which is - are the cells with other materials truly in three-dimensions to each other? This is critical in the authors perspective as the end goal is for the development of a fully cellularised thick tissue having cells dispersed in three-dimensions to each other for the cells to undergo all expected cellular behaviour as understood through native tissues. Hence keeping the above aspects in mind together with the time and associated costs for the reconstruction of a fully functional tissue each method is critically reviewed elucidating the pros and cons of each approach, and their implications and practicalities to translate into the clinic. Thus, demonstrating the true potential and viability for any approach to move into either the biomedical laboratory and/or the clinic. In coda, the presentation goes onto discussing some significant translational aspects, within the wider aim of regenerative medicine to which these approaches would be able to contribute. The presentation intends to provoke the reader to think practically and realistically about what it might take to develop a technology to reconstruct tissues for repair, replacement and rejuvenation of damaged and/or aging tissues within a clinical environment.
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