The skin is the largest human organ system. Loss of skin integrity due to injury or illness results in a substantial physiologic imbalance and ultimately in severe disability or death. From burn victims to surgical scars and plastic surgery, the therapies resulting from skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are important to a broad spectrum of patients. Skin Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine provides a translational link for biomedical researchers across fields to understand the inter-disciplinary approaches which expanded available therapies for patients and additional research collaboration. This work expands on the primary literature on the state of the art of cell therapies and biomaterials to review the most widely used surgical therapies for the specific clinical scenarios. Explores cellular and molecular processes of wound healing, scar formation, and dermal repair Includes examples of animal models for wound healing and translation to the clinical world Presents the current state of, and clinical opportunities for, extracellular matrices, natural biomaterials, synthetic biomaterials, biologic skin substitutes, and adult and fetal stem and skin cells for skin regenerative therapies and wound management Discusses new innovative approaches for wound healing including skin bioprinting and directed cellular therapies

Skin is the largest organ of the body and is necessary for survival, since it performs many functions such as providing a physical barrier to the external environment, sensation, retention of normal hydration and thermal regulation. Significant skin loss is associated with high mortality and morbidity in the acute phase, and with physically and cosmetically drastic scarring in the long term. Although there are a number of tissue-engineered products in the clinic that are used as skin substitutes to promote healing of traumatic burn and diabetic wounds, yet they lack several important functions including those provided by the appendages such as the hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands. The understanding of cellular, molecular and engineering aspects of the pathology, repair and/or regeneration of skin after wound induction is of paramount importance in order to develop the next generation of tissue engineered products with gene-enhanced capacity. In that context, we brought together scientists from basic research, translational and bioengineering fields, whose work focus on cutting-edge research associated with the acquisition of new therapeutic approaches towards skin regeneration.

Skin Tissue Models provides a translational link for biomedical researchers on the interdisciplinary approaches to skin regeneration. As the skin is the largest organ in the body, engineered substitutes have critical medical application to patients with disease and injury – from burn wounds and surgical scars, to vitiligo, psoriasis and even plastic surgery. This volume offers readers preliminary description of the normal structure and function of mammalian skin, exposure to clinical problems and disease, coverage of potential therapeutic molecules and testing, skin substitutes, models as study platforms of skin biology and emerging technologies. The editors have created a table of contents which frames the relevance of skin tissue models for researchers as platforms to study skin biology and therapeutic approaches for different skin diseases, for clinicians as tissue substitutes, and for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as alternative test substrates that can replace animal models. Offers descriptions of the normal structure/function of mammalian skin, exposure to clinical problems, and more Presents coverage of skin diseases (cancer, genodermatoses, vitiligo and psoriasis) that extends to clinical requirements and skin diseases in vitro models Addresses legal requirements and ethical concerns in drugs and cosmetics in vitro testing Edited and authored by internationally renowned group of researchers, presenting the broadest coverage possible

Tissue engineering integrates knowledge and tools from biological sciences and engineering for tissue regeneration. A challenge for tissue engineering is to identify appropriate cell sources. The recent advancement of stem cell biology provides enormous opportunities to engineer stem cells for tissue engineering. The impact of stem cell technology on tissue engineering will be revolutionary.This book covers state-of-the-art knowledge on the potential of stem cells for the regeneration of a wide range of tissues and organs, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological and skin tissues. The technology platforms for studying and engineering stem cells, such as hydrogel and biomaterials development, microfluidics system and microscale patterning, are also illustrated. Regulatory challenges and quality control for clinical translation are also detailed. This book provides an comprehensive update on the advancement in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine, and serves as a valuable resource for both researchers and students.

This volume provides protocols describing the isolation and culture of diverse cell types stemming from the skin and the use of these cells and cell constructs for wound healing, bioengineering applications, and translational medicine purposes. The book is divided into three sections describing the isolation and culture of diverse skin cells, managing these cells within co-culture systems and skin models, as well as using these skin models in a test setting. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Skin Tissue Engineering: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital aid to basic and clinical researchers such as biologists, physicians, and biomedical engineers working with and being interested in basic science, and clinically and laboratory-applicable translational regenerative medicine.

This book presents the latest advances in the field of regenerative medicine in plastic surgery. It is the first authoritative reference documenting all the ways that plastic surgical practice and regenerative medicine science overlap or provide a road map for the future of both specialties. The Editors have provided a valuable service by gathering in one place the leading voices in these two fields in clear and concise manner.The first part introduces readers to essential principles of skin and soft tissue regeneration, e.g. the possibility of using mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing. Since bone serves as a supportive tissue in most of the body, bone regeneration is an important aspect of regenerative medicine; accordingly, the second part discusses the novel bone implants, activated bone grafts and bone tissue engineering. The book’s third part, focusing on cartilage regeneration, includes chapters on e.g. stem cells and ear regeneration. In turn, part four addresses muscle and tendon regeneration: from tendon to bone and tendon to muscle, as well as aging in the realm of muscle regeneration. Lastly, part five highlights nerve regeneration, deepening surgeons’ knowledge to help them successfully treat injuries to the peripheral neural system. Written by leading experts this book is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, beginners and experienced clinicians in a range of specialties. "With beautiful clinical images and artwork, this book will be a central companion to both practicing plastic surgeons who wish to remain abreast of oncoming technologic advances and regenerative medicine researchers who wish to understand the current state of the art of surgical reconstruction." - Geoffrey C. Gurtner, MD, FACS Johnson and Johnson Distinguished Professor of Surgery Professor (by courtesy) of Bioengineering and Materials Science Inaugural Vice Chairman of Surgery for Innovation Stanford University School of Medicine