歯科

概要

The Potential of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration for Craniofacial Bone

Seiichi Yamano, Ken Haku, Mika Ishioka, Terry Y. Lin, Shigeru Hanatani, Jisen Dai and Amr M. Moursi

Bone regeneration is a complex, well-coordinated physiological process. Large quantities of bone regeneration are often required for craniofacial skeletal reconstruction of large bone defects created by trauma, tumor resection, infection, and skeletal abnormalities. Over the last two decades, a tissue engineering and regeneration approach has been developed as an alternative to conventional surgical treatments using bone grafts. Tissue engineering methods have several advantages including the potential to regenerate bone with natural form and function. This review presents several key elements of tissue engineering for craniofacial bone: the signaling molecules (proteins and genes); scaffolds or supporting matrices; and cells. Furthermore, the advantages, challenges, and risks related with each element will be discussed.