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Figure 1: Histological staining of healed skin in each experimental group. Masson trichome staining shows the distribution and density of collagen
protein in healed skin in various groups. Collagen protein was stained blue, nuclei are stained black and the background (muscle, cytoplasm and
keratin) are stained red. Immunohistochemistry staining shows the expression of collagen Type I and Type III of healed skin in normal skin, silver
[9]
treated, and untreated groups, respectively (scale bar: 20 µm) (used with permission)
utilizing nanoscale technology in manufacturing can reconstruction. This has been proven to be safe, reliable,
improve the strength of breast implants. The shell of and reproducible.
silicone breast implants is made up of cross‑linked and
reinforced silicone rubber nanocomposite. The silicone NERVE TUBULIZATION
rubber is weak and, therefore, must be reinforced, most
commonly with nanosized SiO . Finally, even with modern Nerve regeneration is an area of particular interest to
2
breast implants, capsular contracture continues to be one both plastic surgeons and nanotechnology researchers.
of the significant long‑term complications of long‑term Plastic surgeons perform the majority of the peripheral
breast implant placement. It has been demonstrated in nerve surgeries involving the hands, face, and trunk. [21,22]
a rat model that surface modification of implants with Traumatic nerve injuries resulting in loss of nerve tissue
antifibrotic drugs (e.g. halofuginone) can decrease capsule over 5 mm frequently require nerve grafting, often
formation. [16] from an autologous source. Donor sites for this
procedure, however, are limited. To avoid the morbidity
TISSUE AND ORGAN ENGINEERING of autologous nerve grafting, nanoscale manufacturing
techniques have been employed to develop new
Nanotechnology has been used to construct and repair approaches in peripheral nerve repair. Tubular and
various tissues utilized in plastic surgery. Electrospun porous nanostructured conduits, using various natural
nanofiber matrices have been developed for skeletal materials, have been developed to guide regenerating
muscle regeneration in both in vitro and in vivo nerves. These structures have been loaded with various
experimental models. Reconstructive plastic surgeons biomaterials or cell types (e.g. embryonic stem cells,
[17]
are currently using cartilage engineering that has been Schwann cells, neural stem cells) to aid regeneration.
utilized in orthopedic surgery for many years. The Chitosan nanofiber mesh tubes were studied in sciatic
engineering of auricular cartilage for ear reconstruction nerve injuries in a rat model by Wang et al., in which
[23]
is an established technique. Additionally, nasal cartilage they noted partial recovery of sensory function as the
is being examined for complex nasal reconstruction after nerves elongated through the tubes. Biodegradeable
cancer, trauma, or congenital defects. Artificial skin micropatterned scaffolds that mimic the extracellular
[18]
has long been used for the treatment of skin defects. membrane can also be coated with laminin and seeded
Currently, the use of scaffolds composed of polylactic with Schwann cells to guide neuron alignment and
and polyglycolic acids embedded with various growth promote axon regeneration after injury. Currently,
[19]
factors are used to improve skin healing. [19,20] With researchers are designing neural interfaces between
precise manufacturing techniques and the utilization of the peripheral and central nervous system, and limb
novel biomaterials, the development of these products prostheses for patients with traumatic amputations and
can provide enhanced aesthetic appearance after spinal cord injuries. [24,25]
Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 1 || Issue 2 || Sep 2014 45