Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2025 Jan;113(1):e37796.
doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37796. Epub 2024 Sep 13.

Development of multilayered artificial urethra graft for urethroplasty

Povilas Barasa  1 , Egidijus Simoliunas  1 , Aivaras Grybas  2 , Ramune Zilinskaite-Tamasauske  3 , Darius Dasevicius  4 , Milda Alksne  1 , Ieva Rinkunaite  1 , Andrius Buivydas  1 , Emilija Baltrukonyte  1 , Rimgaile Tamulyte  1 , Ashwinipriyadarshini Megur  1 , Gilvydas Verkauskas  3 , Daiva Baltriukiene  1 , Virginija Bukelskiene  1
Affiliations

Development of multilayered artificial urethra graft for urethroplasty

Povilas Barasa et al. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

To enhance the treatment of patients' urethral defects, such as strictures and hypospadias, we investigated the potential of using artificial urethral tissue. Our study aimed to generate this tissue and assess its effectiveness in a rabbit model. Two types of bioprinted grafts, based on methacrylated gelatin-silk fibroin (GelMA-SF) hydrogels, were produced: acellular, as well as loaded with autologous rabbit stem cells. Rabbit adipose stem cells (RASC) were differentiated toward smooth muscle in the GelMA-SF hydrogel, while rabbit buccal mucosa stem cells (RBMC), differentiated toward the epithelium, were seeded on its surface, forming two layers of the cell-laden tissue. The constructs were then reinforced with polycaprolactone-polylactic acid meshes to create implantable multilayered artificial urethral grafts. In vivo experiments showed that the cell-laden tissue integrated into the urethra with less fibrosis and inflammation compared to its acellular counterpart. Staining to trace the implanted cells confirmed integration into the host organism 3 months postsurgery.

Keywords: bioprinting; extrusion; gelatin; hypospadia; rabbit; scarring; stricture; urethra.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Santucci RA, Joyce GF, Wise M. Male urethral stricture disease. J Urol. 2007;177:1667‐1674. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2007.01.041
    1. Alwaal A, Blaschko S, McAninch J, Breyer BN. Epidemiology of urethral strictures. Transl Androl Urol. 2014;3:214‐220. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2223‐4683.2014.04.07
    1. Hampson LA, McAninch JW, Breyer BN. Male urethral strictures and their management. Nat Rev Urol. 2014;11:43‐50. doi:10.1038/nrurol.2013.275
    1. Wessells H, Angermeier KW, Elliott S, et al. Male urethral stricture: American urological association guideline. J Urol. 2017;197:182‐190. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2016.07.087
    1. Cimador M, Vallasciani S, Manzoni G, Rigamonti W, de Grazia E, Castagnetti M. Failed hypospadias in paediatric patients. Nat Rev Urol. 2013;10:657‐666. doi:10.1038/nrurol.2013.164

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources