Human adult, pediatric and microtia auricular cartilage harbor fibronectin-adhering progenitor cells with regenerative ear reconstruction potential
Iris A. Otto, Paulina Núñez Bernal, Margot Rikkers, Mattie H.P. van Rijen, Anneloes Mensinga, Moshe Kon, Corstiaan C. Breugem, Riccardo Levato, Jos Malda
Abstract
3D culture upon encapsulation in a gelatin-based hydrogel, and subsequent biochemical, mechanical, and histological analyses. Auricular cartilage progenitor cells demonstrate a potent ability to proliferate without losing their multipotent differentiation ability and to produce cartilage-like matrix in 3D culture. As these cells can be easily obtained through a non-deforming biopsy of the healthy ear or from the otherwise redundant microtia remnant, they can provide an important solution for long-existing challenges in auricular cartilage tissue engineering.
Topics & Concepts
CartilageMicrotiaProgenitor cellRegeneration (biology)Regenerative medicineTissue engineeringAnatomyCell biologyStem cellPathologyChondrogenesisPerichondriumMedicineBiologyBiomedical engineeringReconstructive Facial Surgery TechniquesNasal Surgery and Airway StudiesEar Surgery and Otitis Media