ABSTRACT
Research in the field of cell-based therapy and tissue engineering for functional urologic disorders has advanced considerably over the past decade, allowing several recent clinical trials. Here, the authors review these new technologies applied to neuro-urologic disorders, namely, bladder-tissue engineering for neurogenic bladder and cell therapy for urethral rhabdosphincter insufficiency. The ideal biomaterial for tissue engineering should be biocompatible, promote cellular interactions, and enhance tissue development, thus replicating the functions of the normal ECM. This pioneering study shows that tissue engineering can be used to generate bladders for patients who require cystoplasty. In contrast to the classical tissue engineering process that involves scaffolds, 3D printing creates complex structures from the bottom-up. The main approaches for 3D bioprinting are inkjet printing, stereolithography, and extrusion printing. Cell therapy holds promise for restoring urethral tonicity and sphincter function in patients with urinary sphincter insufficiency, since it represents the first therapeutic option aimed at repairing the cellular damages at the origin of urinary incontinence.
