Initial success in producing replacement tissue to treat two common types of
sports injury was reported by Professor Sandra Downes (Smith & Nephew).
She described how techniques of tissue engineering were being used to reconstruct
damaged anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus (the tissue between the cartilage
in the knee).
Professor Downes defined tissue engineering as the use of living cells, together
with extracellular components (natural or synthetic), in the development of
implantable parts for the restoration of tissue function.
The new work followed on from the company’s development of artificial skin
(Dermagraft). It involved culturing cells in biomaterial polymer scaffolds and
then “growing” new tissue in bioreactors. The bioreactor could be
used to optimise culture conditions for cell growth and appropriate extracellular
matrix formation. The new tissue could then be reimplanted.
Damage to the meniscus or the anterior cruciate ligament caused problems as
neither tissue would repair naturally. The aim of the new work was to restore
normal function. It was technically difficult, particularly for load bearing
tissues, and tissue engineering was still at an early stage, Professor Downes
emphasised.