Effect of Structural Differences in Collagen Sponge Scaffolds on Tracheal Epithelium Regeneration

Abstract

Objective: We developed an in situ regeneration-inducible artificial trachea composed of a porcine collagen sponge and polypropylene framework and used it for tracheal reconstruction. In the present study, collagen sponges with different structures were prepared from various concentrations of collagen solutions, and their effect on the regeneration of tracheal epithelium was examined. Methods: Collagen sponges were prepared from type I and III collagen solutions. The structures of the sponges were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Artificial tracheae, which were formed using the collagen sponges with different structures, were implanted into rabbits, and regeneration of the tracheal epithelium on the artificial tracheae was evaluated by SEM analysis and histological examination. Results: The SEM analysis showed that collagen sponges prepared from 0.5% and 1.0% collagen solutions had a porous structure. However, the sponges prepared from a 1.5% collagen solution had a nonporous structure. After implantation of artificial tracheae prepared from 0.5% and 1.0% collagen solutions, their luminal surfaces were mostly covered with epithelium within 14 days. However, epithelial reorganization occurred later on artificial tracheae prepared from the 1.5% collagen solution. Conclusion:Collagen sponges with a porous structure are suitable for regeneration of the tracheal epithelium in our artificial trachea.

Restoring tracheal defects in a rabbit model with tissue engineered patches based on TGF-β3-encapsulating electrospun poly(l-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone)/collagen scaffolds

“…Rabbits that received the operation survived well for 2 months, and bronchoscope examinations suggested that the luminal healing state was satisfactory, with no tracheal collapse or stenosis and a potent growth potential observed for the engineered patches. It has been reported that re-epithelialization of transplanted tracheal patches can be achieved by the migration of surrounding native epithelial cells [22]. Our SEM observation also found that the luminal surface of the engineered patch was covered by airway epithelial tissues.…”

Reconstruction of Ovine Trachea with a Biomimetic Composite Biomaterial

“…In most previous animal studies, histological analysis was limited to tissues covering inner surfaces of tracheal implants [ 22 , 27 , 28 ]. However, in this study, we examined both the tissues on the inner surface of the implant (van Gieson staining) and the tissues covering outer surface of the implant at the anastomosis site (Masson-Goldner staining and PAS staining) ( Figure 6 )…”

“…Furthermore, ciliated epithelial cells are involved in mucociliary clearance. Therefore, impaired and/or delayed migration of respiratory epithelium is associated with increased risk of infection and promotes formation of granulation tissue on the inner surface of the implant [ 27 , 28 ]. Thus, synthetic material of the implant should show some activity to promote epithelial migration from adjacent tracheal segments.…”

The History of Engineered Tracheal Replacements: Interpreting the Past and Guiding the Future

“…Recent advancements in tracheal grafts are broadly focused on preventing adverse host response, [73][74][75] capturing complex native mechanical behavior, [76][77][78][79][80][81] and improving functional integration upon implantation. 76,[82][83][84][85] The Cho group of South Korea has developed a polymeric tracheal replacement graft designed with a ''bellows'' configuration, comprising polycaprolactone, to attempt to capture native-like structure and mechanical behavior. 77 The host response to the bellows-type implant was not significantly more inflammatory than a syngeneic allograft.…”