Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol 12, 64-75, Copyright © 2001 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Craniofacial tissue engineering
E. Alsberg, E. E. Hill and D. J. Mooney
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2136, USA.
There is substantial need for the replacement of tissues in the
craniofacial complex due to congenital defects, disease, and injury. The
field of tissue engineering, through the application of engineering and
biological principles, has the potential to create functional replacements
for damaged or pathologic tissues. Three main approaches to tissue
engineering have been pursued: conduction, induction by bioactive factors,
and cell transplantation. These approaches will be reviewed as they have
been applied to key tissues in the craniofacial region. While many
obstacles must still be overcome prior to the successful clinical
restoration of tissues such as skeletal muscle and the salivary glands,
significant progress has been achieved in the development of several tissue
equivalents, including skin, bone, and cartilage. The combined technologies
of gene therapy and drug delivery with cell transplantation will continue
to increase treatment options for craniofacial cosmetic and functional
restoration.
