Tissue-engineered lymphatic graft for the treatment of lymphedema Journal Article


Authors: Kanapathy, M.; Patel, N. M.; Kalaskar, D. M.; Mosahebi, A.; Mehrara, B. J.; Seifalian, A. M.
Article Title: Tissue-engineered lymphatic graft for the treatment of lymphedema
Abstract: Background: Lymphedema is a chronic debilitating condition and curative treatment is yet to be found. Tissue engineering approach, which combines cellular components, scaffold, and molecular signals hold great potential in the treatment of secondary lymphedema with the advent of lymphatic graft to reconstruct damaged collecting lymphatic vessel. This review highlights the ideal characteristics of lymphatic graft, the limitation and challenges faced, and the approaches in developing tissue-engineered lymphatic graft. Methods: Literature on tissue engineering of lymphatic system and lymphatic tissue biology was reviewed. Results: The prime challenge in the design and manufacturing of this graft is producing endothelialized conduit with intraluminal valves. Suitable scaffold material is needed to ensure stability and functionality of the construct. Endothelialization of the construct can be enhanced via biofunctionalization and nanotopography, which mimics extracellular matrix. Nanocomposite polymers with improved performance over existing biomaterials are likely to benefit the development of lymphatic graft. Conclusions: With the in-depth understanding of tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and improved knowledge on the biology of lymphatic regeneration, the aspiration to develop successful lymphatic graft is well achievable.
Keywords: unclassified drug; review; nonhuman; animal model; dermis; lymph vessel; lymph vessel endothelium; lymphangiogenesis; lymphedema; skin; lymphatic regeneration; lymphatic system; gene therapy; lymphoid tissue; anastomosis; growth factor; tissue engineering; polymer; nanotechnology; biomaterial; fluid flow; graft patency; elasticity; tissue scaffold; interstitial fluid; valve; human; molecular scaffold; nanocomposite; lymphatic graft; biodegradable synthetic scaffold; nonbiodegradable synthetic scaffold; blood vessel graft; decellularized scaffold; lymphatic parameters; lymphatic pressure; lymphatic valve
Journal Title: Journal of Surgical Research
Volume: 192
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0022-4804
Publisher: Academic Press Inc., Elsevier Science  
Date Published: 2014-12-01
Start Page: 544
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2014.07.059
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 25248852
PMCID: PMC4394124
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 January 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Babak Mehrara
    449 Mehrara