Tissue engineering craniofacial defects with adult stem cells? Are we ready yet?

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Over three-quarters of all craniofacial defects observed in the US per year are cleft palates. Usually involving significant bony defects in both the hard palate and alveolar process of the maxilla, repair of these defects is typically performed surgically using autologous bone grafts taken from appropriate sites (i.e., iliac crest). However, surgical intervention is not without its complications. As such, the reconstructive surgeon has turned to the scientist and engineer for help. In this review, the application of the field of tissue engineering to craniofacial defects (e.g., cleft palates) is discussed. Specifically the use of adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and Adipose-derived Stem Cells (ASCs) in combination with currently available biomaterials is presented in the context of healing craniofacial defects like the cleft palate. Finally, future directions with regards to the use of ASCs in craniofacial repair are discussed, including possible scaffold-driven and gene-driven approaches.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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