Regenerative properties of human extraembryonal organs in tissue engineering

Abstract

The characteristics of the umbilical cord extracellular matrix are discussed relatively of their potential use for tissue engineering. The purpose of this review is to assess the current knowledge about using of homologous biomaterials with regenerative properties to create bioengineered structures. One of the most important components of tissue engineering - matrix (scaffold), resident cells can migrate, attach to it and function. Due to their structure, matrices should be easily integrated into the patient’s tissue and provide conditions for cell growth and differentiation. The cells that populate the matrix in the bioreactor before the transplantation of this construction, or resident cells recruited into the transplanted extracellular matrix), and cell- matrix interactions are absolutely necessary components of tissue engineering. Available commercial bioengineering products made from mammalian tissues have certain advantages and significant disadvantages due to the risks of immunological reactions and transmission of infectious agents. The transplantation of products from xenogenic materials is prohibited by law in the Russian Federation. The donor material is limited, receipt of human cadaver material requires a long period of legal registration, which has a detrimental effect on the biomaterial. Therefore, finding a suitable homologous biomaterial is ongoing. Due to the peculiarities of the embryonic phenotype, extraembryonic tissues have special biological properties, one of which is the scarless healing of wounds. Low immunogenicity, optimal mechanical properties of extracellular matrix, presence of cell adhesion molecules and growth factors promoting regeneration provide anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti- scarring properties for tissue engineering structures from umbilical cord and amniotic membrane. Umbilical cord and amnion due to the availability and non-invasiveness of obtaining from healthy young donors are an excellent source of homologous biomaterial for extracting matrices, cells and hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.