Abstract

Development of Resorbable Nanocomposite Polymers for Paediatric Airway Tissue Engineering

Gui Zhen Teoh, Research Associate, University College London

A resorbable ethylene-diethylene glycol based nanocomposite polymer which has proven a promising material candidate for use with stem cells and primary cells for airway tissue engineering has been developed. Advances in regenerative medicine have inspired the development of resorbable, nanocomposite polymers for airway tissue engineering. At present, tracheal resection with primary repair is the Gold Standard for those with airway disorders; however, the maximum resectable length of the trachea is 30% of the total length in children and therefore requires the development of a safe, functional tracheal prosthesis. An ethylene-diethylene glycol based nanocomposite polymer was synthesized and scaffolds manufactured by solvent casting, phase separation and 3D printing, or a combination of the aforementioned techniques. The polymeric solution and manufactured scaffolds were characterized for viscosity, tensile strength, suture retention, thromboelastography and degradation. Laminated bilayer polymeric scaffolds, mimicking native tracheal tissue, were seeded with human tracheobronchial epithelial cells and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells for an in vitro assessment of cytocompatibility before examining scaffold integration and vascularization and whole construct behavior in vivo. Data indicate good cell attachment and proliferation, formation of vasculature and a suitable in vivo degradation profile. Overall, a promising material candidate for use in airway tissue engineering has been developed.