Table 4 Advantages and disadvantages of Tissue Engineering techniques currently being explored for tracheal reconstruction
From: Central airway obstruction: is it time to move forward?
| Â | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Prosthetic material | Physical and functional replacement of the trachea | Risk of inflammation Incomplete host tissue integration |
Autografts | Absence of rejection Absence of inflammation | Donor tissue availability |
Allografts | Availability of donor tissue | Risk of intense inflammation Risk of organic rejection Dependence on immunosuppressive drugs |
Cell-based therapies | Can be used in combination with prostheses, scaffolds, and growth factors Promotion of in vivo tracheal regeneration Specific cell differentiation | Inconsistent results The ideal cell type to be used has not yet been identified Risks of organic rejection Risks of genetic instability Risks of tumorigenic differentiation Difficulties in isolation and cell expansion |
Scaffolds | Availability of materials with synthetic and natural origin Can be used in combination with cells to maximize their benefits | High manufacturing requirements Requirement of precise physical characteristics to guarantee cytocompatibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and absence of local and systemic toxicity |
Growth factors | Can be used in combination with cells to maximize their benefits Influence cell proliferation and differentiation Ensure cellular growth and nutrition Modulation of the pro-regenerative environment at the site of injury and site of administration | Risk of adverse reactions Challenging manufacturing techniques Compromised product stability Inconsistent results |