Preliminary Study on the Development of In Vitro Human Respiratory Epithelium Using Collagen Type I Scaffold as a Potential Model for Future Tracheal Tissue Engineering

Pathological conditions of the tracheal epithelium, such as postoperative injuries and chronic conditions, often compromise functionality respiratory epithelium. Although replacement epithelium using various types transplantation has been attempted, there is no predictable dependable method that holds for safe practicable long-term use. Therefore, we used a tissue engineering approach ex vivo regeneration (RE) construct. Collagen type I was isolated from sheep tendon it fabricated in three-dimensional (3D) scaffold format. Isolated human epithelial cells (RECs) fibroblasts nasal turbinate were co-cultured on 3D 48 h, maturation allowed another 14 days an air–liquid interface culture system. The scanning electron microscope results revealed porous-structure collagen scaffold. found to be biocompatible with RECs allows attachment, proliferation, migration. Immunohistochemical analysis showed seeded positive expression cytokeratin markers, respectively, indicating supports native phenotype over period days. longer needed ciliogenesis occur RECs, findings suggest tissue-engineered RE construct potential candidate direct use or tube reengineering.