Tissue engineering to regenerate functional vocal fold after scarring or tissue loss

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ABSTRACT Patients suffering loss of the larynx’s vocal fold cover due to trauma or laryngeal cancer can suffer disabling voice difficulties, and treatment options are limited. An implantable vibrating replacement tissue would revolutionize the treatment of laryngeal disorders. The work described in this proposal optimizes a Cell-based Outer Vocal fold Replacement (COVR) developed by this laboratory, identifies its functions in an animal model, and defines its potential clinical applications. Adult human stem cells isolated from adipose tissue are cultured within fibrin hydrogel to produce a three-dimensional tissue substitute suitable for vocal fold implantation. Preliminary work has developed and implanted the COVR in rabbits, finding excellent vibrational function. This work plans the systematic study of critical questions remaining for vocal fold replacement. Host interactions with implanted cells and matrix will be defined. Influence of pre-existing scar environment and sex will be assessed. Extracellular matrix regeneration will be promoted and mechanical behavior quantified. Successful completion of the proposed research will advance a tissue-engineered vocal fold towards human translation. This work will define suitable clinical scenarios (existing scar versus fresh tissue resection), maximize tissue mimicry of normal vocal folds, and identify mechanisms by which the COVR improves vocal fold wound healing relative to controls. The animal studies in this proposal will provide necessary information to proceed with formal pre-clinical trials.