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Review
. 2022 Jan 10;13(1):8.
doi: 10.1186/s13287-021-02684-0.

Applications of the amniotic membrane in tissue engineering and regeneration: the hundred-year challenge

Hoda Elkhenany  1   2 , Azza El-Derby  1 , Mohamed Abd Elkodous  1 , Radwa A Salah  1 , Ahmed Lotfy  3 , Nagwa El-Badri  4
Affiliations
Review

Applications of the amniotic membrane in tissue engineering and regeneration: the hundred-year challenge

Hoda Elkhenany et al. Stem Cell Res Ther. .

Abstract

The amniotic membrane (Amnio-M) has various applications in regenerative medicine. It acts as a highly biocompatible natural scaffold and as a source of several types of stem cells and potent growth factors. It also serves as an effective nano-reservoir for drug delivery, thanks to its high entrapment properties. Over the past century, the use of the Amnio-M in the clinic has evolved from a simple sheet for topical applications for skin and corneal repair into more advanced forms, such as micronized dehydrated membrane, amniotic cytokine extract, and solubilized powder injections to regenerate muscles, cartilage, and tendons. This review highlights the development of the Amnio-M over the years and the implication of new and emerging nanotechnology to support expanding its use for tissue engineering and clinical applications.

Keywords: Amnion; Biodegradability; Natural biomaterial; Regenerative medicine; Tissue engineering.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
History of Amnio-M modifications and technological enhancement
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The components of the Amnio-M fulfil the requirements of the “tissue engineering pyramid”
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The secretome of the AECs and AMSCs, and the factors controlling EMT between the two cell types. Abbreviations Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); amniotic epithelial stem cells (AECs); amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The Amnio-M-derived growth factors and cytokines contribute to wound healing and tissue regeneration by enhancing angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and reducing scar formation
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Site selection of the Amnio-M based on its thickness to fit various clinical applications
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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