Fundamental Technologies and Recent Advances of Cell-Sheet-Based Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Tissue engineering has attracted significant attention since the 1980s, and the applications of tissue engineering have been expanding. To produce a cell-dense tissue, cell sheet technology has been studied as a promising strategy. Fundamental techniques involving tissue engineering are mainly introduced in this review. First, the technologies to fabricate a cell sheet were reviewed. Although temperature-responsive polymer-based technique was a trigger to establish and spread cell sheet technology, other methodologies for cell sheet fabrication have also been reported. Second, the methods to improve the function of the cell sheet were investigated. Adding electrical and mechanical stimulation on muscle-type cells, building 3D structures, and co-culturing with other cell species can be possible strategies for imitating the physiological situation under in vitro conditions, resulting in improved functions. Finally, culture methods to promote vasculogenesis in the layered cell sheets were introduced with in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro bioreactors. We believe the present review that shows and compares the fundamental technologies and recent advances for cell-sheet-based tissue engineering should promote further development of tissue engineering. The development of cell sheet technology should promote many bioengineering applications.

Chemically Crosslinked Methylcellulose Substrates for Cell Sheet Engineering

“…The obtained CSs, avoiding the use of scaffolding materials as cell carriers, could prevent materials-related complications (e.g., host inflammatory response). Moreover, by preserving intact cell–cell junctions and their deposited ECM, they could be implanted in the host tissues without the need for any mediators (e.g., fibrin glue or sutures) [ 44 , 45 ]. Complex tissues could also be regenerated by multiple transplants of CSs (even of different cell types) in the host tissues or by transplanting in vitro-layered CS [ 46 ].…”

Comparing the Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells and their Secretory Products in Regenerative Medicine

“…The main advantage of using cell sheets is the fabrication techniques that will not disrupt the cell-cell and cell-matrix contact [137]. Usage of cell sheets fabrication techniques such as temperature-responsive culture surface, photoresponsive polymer, and ultrasound irradiation enables the detached cells to maintain their cell surface proteins, cellular junctions, and extracellular matrix [138]. Cell sheets may be developed into an advanced cell delivery method for the treatment of many tissue injuries, including cardiovascular diseases, cutaneous wound healing, and tendon/ligament injuries.…”

Measurement of the Adipose Stem Cells Cell Sheets Transmittance

“…It was used with success on different animal models, organs, and patients [9][10][11]. Particularly, scaffold-free system for fabrication of three-dimensional (3D), multilayered cell sheet has attracted a lot of attention due to its curative effectiveness upon transplantation [12,13]. Traditional methodologies to form multilayered cell sheets are either to stack multiple monolayer cell sheets, each of which is cultured upon thermo-responsive polymer [14,15], or to apply magnetic force to accumulate magnetite-incorporated cells [16,17].…”