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Semin Plast Surg 2005; 19(3): 261-270
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-919721
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Challenges in Soft Tissue Engineering

Eser Yuksel1 , 2 , 3 , Joshua Choo4 , Matthew Wettergreen5 , Michael Liebschner5
  • 1Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
  • 2St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas
  • 3Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
  • 4Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • 5Rice University, Department of Bioengineering, Houston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 October 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Soft tissue engineering strategies targeting restoration of volume loss have inherent critical challenges as they relate to the problem of restoration of defects with a high volume to surface ratio. We outline the problems associated with the limitations of translational applications regarding soft tissue engineering strategies as follows: cell survival, mechanical challenges: macroenvironment (scaffold collapse and on-the-shelf availability), compositional considerations: microenvironment, inducing malignant behavior, cell migration, and cell exhaustion. These are discussed with our alternative suggestions for solutions.

KEYWORDS

Soft tissue engineering - tissue engineering - high volume reconstruction - matrix gradient - multilayered matrix - matrix clearance - breast tissue engineering

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Eser YukselM.D. 

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