New Amniotic Membrane Based Biocomposite for Future Application in Reconstructive Urology

Abstract

ObjectiveDue to the capacity of the amniotic membrane (Am) to support re-epithelisation and inhibit scar formation, Am has a potential to become a considerable asset for reconstructive urology i.e., reconstruction of ureters and urethrae. The application of Am in reconstructive urology is limited due to a poor mechanical characteristic. Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance, without affecting its unique bioactivity profile. This study evaluated biocomposite material composed of Am and nanofibers as a graft for urinary bladder augmentation in a rat model.Material and MethodsSandwich-structured biocomposite material was constructed from frozen Am and covered on both sides with two-layered membranes prepared from electrospun poly-(L-lactide-co-E-caprolactone) (PLCL). Wistar rats underwent hemicystectomy and bladder augmentation with the biocomposite material.ResultsImmunohistohemical analysis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], anti-smoothelin and Masson’s trichrome staining [TRI]) revealed effective regeneration of the urothelial and smooth muscle layers. Anti-smoothelin staining confirmed the presence of contractile smooth muscle within a new bladder wall. Sandwich-structured biocomposite graft material was designed to regenerate the urinary bladder wall, fulfilling the requirements for normal bladder tension, contraction, elasticity and compliance. Mechanical evaluation of regenerated bladder wall conducted based on Young’s elastic modulus reflected changes in the histological remodeling of the augmented part of the bladder. The structure of the biocomposite material made it possible to deliver an intact Am to the area for regeneration. An unmodified Am surface supported regeneration of the urinary bladder wall and the PLCL membranes did not disturb the regeneration process.ConclusionsAm reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance without affecting its unique bioactivity profile.

Reconstructive urology and tissue engineering: Converging developmental paths

“…Thanks to the fabricated bilayered biomaterial, normal bladder capacity was maintained. A similar strategy was applied in our previous study to adopt AM for bladder augmentation using rats as our model (Adamowicz et al, ). Sandwiched structured biocomposite combined with electrospun PCLC excellently provided mechanical resistance with AM biocompatibility.…”

Pericardium in Reconstructive Urologic Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…A variety of grafts including skin, bladder, colon, and buccal mucosa have been utilized in reconstructive urologic surgeries [4][5][6]. More recently, some other tissues such as amniotic membranes [7] and pericardial tissues have been used in reconstructive urologic surgeries [8][9][10][11].…”

Stem Cells in Functional Bladder Engineering

“…In the last two decades many different natural (amniotic membrane [5], bladder acellular matrix [6], collagen [7], silk [8,9]) and synthetic poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyurethane [10], poly-carbonate-urethane-urea [11]) matrices have already found their application in preclinical and clinical bladder TE [12,13]. In recent years the use of (multi-)layered hybrid scaffolds has been established, as such combinatorial approaches often result in a more specific, customized microenvironment for each cellular layer, an improved regeneration, and better biomechanical properties of the construct [14,15,16].…”