Some candidate biomaterials for amniotic membranes (am) regeneration: a review

Masoumeh Sepehri,1,*

1. Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract


Introduction

Amniotic membranes (am) wich form the amniotic sac filled by amniotic fluid and completely surrounds the embryo/fetus. iatrogenic premature rupture of membranes (prom) occurs in approximately 1% of patients after genetic amniocentesis. if membranes do not seal spontaneously, fluid leakage through the vagina may cause infection and pregnancy loss, and also cause respiratory disorders and skeletal malformations due to premature birth and its associated infant morbidity and mortality. an adhesive that can prevent the amniotic sac from tearing could help the fetus remain in the womb longer, which would potentially lead to a healthier future for the baby. therefore, there is a growing awareness that novel materials are needed to seal the am after surgical intervention.

Methods

For this review, more than 60 research and published review papers from 1976 to 2017 were collected through searchable articles that have full-text access to the databases of pubmed, elsevier and nature.

Results

Several naturally and synthetic biomaterials based on in vitro and in vivo researches in animal models have been designed to regenerate of am: 1. autologous platelet concentrate, 2. cell-free collagenous fiber network and polyesterurethane scaffolds (degrapol), 3. polyethylene glycol (peg)-based biomimetic matrices and amnion mesenchymal progenitor cells, 4. platelet-rich plasma plugs persisted in an amniotic fluid, 5. peg-catechol hydrogels, 6. tissucol and peg-based hydrogel, 7. synthetic glue-like polymers based on the byssal thread (a secreted protein by mussel).

Conclusion

To date, there is no effective treatment for prom.the use of the novel materials and approaches are fundamental for am regeneration.

Keywords

Amniotic membranes, regeneration, prom, naturally and synthetic biomaterials, byssal thread