ABSTRACT
I. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 355
II. Importance of Biomaterials ............................................................................................. 355
III. Design and Selection of Biomaterials ............................................................................. 356
IV. Classification of Biomaterials ......................................................................................... 357
V. Biomaterials Utilized to Engineer Genitourinary Tissues .............................................. 359
A. Kidneys .................................................................................................................... 359
B. Ureters ...................................................................................................................... 359
C. Bladder ..................................................................................................................... 360
D. Urethra ..................................................................................................................... 361
E. Genital Tissue .......................................................................................................... 363
F. Injection Therapies .................................................................................................. 363
VI. Future Directions ............................................................................................................. 364
References .................................................................................................................................... 365
Lost or malfunctioning genitourinary tissues have traditionally been reconstructed with native
nonurologic tissues (e.g., gastrointestinal segments,
skin,
peritoneum,
fascia,
omentum,
and
dura
) or synthetic prostheses (silicone,
polyvinyl,
and Teflon
). Although
reconstructive therapies using these materials have saved and improved countless lives, they
remain imperfect solutions. Reconstruction with nonurologic native tissues rarely replaces the
entire function of the original tissue and bears the risk of complications, including metabolic
abnormalities, infection, perforation, and malignancy.
