In the oral and maxillofacial region, autologous grafting has been used to treat tissue defects caused by congenital anomaly, trauma or tumor resection. However, as long as autologous grafts are used, these operations must include the process of harvesting the patient’s tissues, and the amount obtained for the graft may be limited. To overcome such issues with the conventional approach, we have tried to develop tissue-engineered bone and cartilage.
We have succeeded in making custom-made artificial bone (CT-Bone) by printing alpha-tricalcium phosphate particles with a 3D printer based on DICOM data of CT images. Clinical research and trials of CT-Bone have been conducted in 30 patients with bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial region, confirming its efficacy in restoring facial features. Based on this technique, we are now developing a next-generation bio-3D printer.
To develop implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage with proper 3D morphological form and mechanical strength, we have optimized the culture medium of chondrocytes and the scaffold. Following a preclinical study, we have conducted clinical research in three patients with nasal deformity associated with cleft lip and palate, and are now starting a clinical study. We are also engaged in research on ear reconstruction using iPS cells.
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