Researchers at the ibs.GRANADA generate blood vessels from stem cells that could facilitate their implantation in patients
This finding, published in the prestigious Journal Periodontal Research, may represent a breakthrough that guarantees the success of artificial tissue implants in humans
The Tissue Engineering research group of the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), has managed for the first time to generate artificial tissues capable of developing blood vessels that will contribute to their integration in the patient and will improve the clinical results of the treatment.
An artificial tissue is an organized collection of cells, fibers, and cell products created in a laboratory. The manufacture of artificial tissues by tissue engineering has experienced a great advance in recent years. Specifically, the growing development of tissue engineering techniques based on new biomaterials and cultured human cells has made it possible to generate biological substitutes for the skin, cornea, oral mucosa and other organs and tissues for clinical use, such as those made in Granada. by this group of Tissue Engineering of the ibs.GRANADA, who work in the department of Histology of the Faculty of Medicine of Granada.
In the field of dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery, so far this research team has developed several models of human oral mucosa using tissue engineering. Although these models have proven to be potentially useful, it is necessary to develop new studies that improve biocompatibility and the level of integration in the patient, associated with the absence of blood vessels, which consequently hinders the arrival of oxygen and nutrients to the implanted tissue.
In this regard, this team of researchers from Granada, from the Department of Histology of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Granada, the Pediatric Surgery Service of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital and the Transfusion, Tissue and Cell Center of Granada, all They, linked to the Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, have managed to manufacture a novel model of human oral mucosa with vasculogenic properties.
This pioneering group of scientists from the area of Advanced Therapies and Biomedical Technologies at ibs.GRANADA have combined biomaterials of a nanotechnological nature with a new cell culture technique, which allows cells with the capacity to generate blood vessels once implanted to be incorporated into artificial tissue. in vivo.
From the results of this study, we can say for the first time that it has been possible to demonstrate that certain types of stem cells incorporated into artificial tissue are capable of differentiating into different types of blood vessels and, therefore, of increasing vascularization. of this artificial fabric. All this will make it possible to generate artificial tissues with improved properties that will be able to integrate correctly into the patient.
About the research group
The Tissue Engineering research group at ibs.GRANADA, led by Professor Antonio Campos Muñoz, is a multidisciplinary group made up of doctors, histologists and tissue engineers, clinicians (surgeons, ophthalmologists, dentists, hematologists), biotechnologists, chemists, pharmacists, embryologists and those responsible for tissue banks; whose objective is the generation and development of new models of artificial tissues for therapeutics. To do this, it develops innovative biomaterials and advanced techniques for cell selection and differentiation. Performs preclinical tests prior to authorization by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). In addition, it has transferred its own Advanced Therapies medications such as artificial cornea (currently in clinical trial - NCT01765244) and artificial skin (currently in use due to hospital exemption) to the clinic. The group also advises the generation of drugs in the GMP rooms and histologically evaluates the Advanced Therapies drugs generated in them. Finally, it owns 8 patents in different licensing phases.
More information about the group at https://www.ibsgranada.es/grupos-de-investigacion/tec03-ingenieria-tisular/
Reference:
Blanco-Elices C, Chato-Astrain J, Oyonarte S, Bermejo-Casares F, Spain-López A, Fernández-Valadés R, Sánchez-Quevedo MDC, Alaminos M *, Martín-Piedra MA, Garzón I. Generation of a novel model of bioengineered human oral mucosa with increased vascularization potential. J Periodontal Res. 2021 Sep 12. doi: 10.1111 / jre.12927. Online ahead of print. Impact Factor: 4.419; Area: Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine; Percentile: 14