Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Animal Models for Orthopedic
Applications of Tissue Engineering
Animal tests constitute a step midway between
in vitro
studies and
human clinical applications. Choosing an appropriate experimental
model for tissue engineering purposes is critical to allow valid
conclusions to be made. This chapter discusses the different factors
that must be taken into account when choosing an animal model.
Relevance, objectivity and reproducibility of these models as well as
the genetic and immunological status of animals, and financial and
ethical factors are critical issues to address. This chapter reviews the
most commonly used models in osteo-articular tissue engineering
studies and proposes a comprehensive decision-making approach to
select the animal model which will best answer the scientific problem
to be solved. Whereas preliminary evaluation of a tissue-engineered
construct (TEC)'s biocompatibility and functionality is performed in
small animal models and is mostly based on simple surgical
procedures, preclinical evaluations must be performed in large animal
models that reflect the specific human clinical setting in which the
TEC will be used.
