Grant: Operating Grant

Total or partial reconstruction of the external ear remains one of the most difficult challenges in reconstructive surgery. While there are a few approaches currently available, these procedures are prone to significant surgical complications and the natural shape of the ear can be difficult to recreate. To address these deficiencies, one promising method for ear reconstruction involves the use of anatomically shaped, tissue engineered cartilage constructs. Despite the great potential of this approach, several technical hurdles still need to be overcome to develop functional tissue constructs. The objective of the proposed study is to develop functional, anatomically shaped engineered ear cartilage implants suitable for external ear reconstruction. Recently, we have developed a novel approach to create engineered ear cartilage constructs directly from a very small population of donor cells. The cells are cultivated in a bioreactor which elicits the extensive growth of cartilaginous tissue, and in conjunction with 3D printed molds, tissue constructs can be matched to the 3D shape and thickness of ear cartilage. In this project, engineered constructs will be optimized to possess the appropriate structure and properties indicative of native ear cartilage. Developed constructs will then assessed in a clinically relevant animal models of external ear reconstruction. Finally, this approach will translated to create functional, anatomically shaped engineered constructs from human cells. Ultimately, with this new approach, superior ear reconstruction will be achieved with fewer complications associated with current surgical methods. Thus, the project represents the first step of translating these important scientific discoveries to the clinic where, one day, it will benefit the proportion of the Canadian population affected by congenital or acquired external ear deformities.