Article
The development of a novel, bioactive preadipocyte loaded fibroin biohybride for the augmentation of soft-tissue defects
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Published: | December 20, 2013 |
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Defects of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the facial area with a loss of the isolating layer to the deeper laying structures cannot be reconstructed adequately without the use of suitable soft tissue transplants. Nowadays, autologous adipose tissue obtained by liposuction is commonly used, even though it has known shortcomings: the adipose cells are fully differentiated or damaged by the removal technique and are therefore prone to ischemic damage. The transplants shrink and harden or are even lost completely over time. Neovascularisation and nutritive supply are crucial factors for the survival of the transplanted adipose cells. This project aims to develop an alternative to these conventional techniques by utilizing a novel scaffold material consisting of fibroin that presents the growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor – 2 (FGF-2) and was evaluated in vitro as a potential adipose tissue transplant after being cultured with preadipocytes.
Transgenic silk worms integrate VEGF and FGF-2 into the silk thread, which is the basis for fibroin, by which the scaffold becomes bioactive. The applicability and biocompatibility of these novel bioactive scaffolds as a carrier material for preadipocytes was examined. After seeding the scaffolds with preadipocytes, standard biocompatibility tests, ELISA tests and rt-PCR as well as immunohistochemical examinations were performed.
The scaffolds showed a good penetration by the preadipocytes and a full differentiation to adipocytes was possible. The biocompatibility tests showed at all times a long lasting survival of the cells without a reduction of the pH-value.
This novel technique has the potential to provide large volume adipose tissue transplants, which could be specifically cultured. The in vitro data shows a good biocompatibility. A further evaluation of these promising scaffolds is will be performed in vivo.