Tissue-Engineered Oral Mucosa Constructs for in Vitro Research and Clinical Applications

Ramis JM*^1,2, Llopis-Grimalt MA^1,2, Munar-Bestard M^1,2 and Monjo M^1,2

Received: February 12, 2018;   Published: February 19, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.02.000773

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Abstract

Monolayer cultures of epithelial or gingival fibroblasts have been used for the study of oral mucosa and the effect of external stimuli, such as different types of dental materials. However, monolayer models lack polarized cell phenotype and systemic components, which affect their function and response to stimuli [1,2]. Several tissue-engineered oral mucosa models have been developed to overcome these limitations with applications in different fields [2- 4]. These 3D cultures provide a higher degree of complexity than monolayer cell cultures being closer to explant cultures, providing an in vitro model resembling the in vivo situation [2]. At least two tissue-engineered oral mucosa models are commercially available, SkinEthicTMOral Epithelium and Gingival Epithelium constructs from EPISKIN (Lyon France), or the Epi OralTM and Epi GingivalTM constructs from Mat Tek Corporation (Ashland, MA, USA). Other commercial skin tissue models are validated to be used as an alternative to animal testing to proof cosmetics safety [5]. Thus it could be envisaged that in the near future oral tissue models might be approved to test cosmetic dental raw materials or formulations such as tooth pastes or mouthwashes. However, the existing commercial models lack a fibroblast/collagen matrix component, which is critical in human oral mucosa [2].

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