Ricerc@Sapienza

Skeletal muscle tissue exhibits endogenous ability to regenerate. However, the self-repair mechanism is restricted only to small damages. The increasing number of extensive injuries of skeletal muscles due to various accidents, more active life-style or cancer resection, combined with the shortcomings of the conventional treatment procedures, creates demand for new, more advanced solutions. Muscle tissue engineering (TE) appears as a promising strategy for fabrication of tissue substitutes from biomaterials, cells and bioactive factors, alone or combined. In this chapter, we present current state of the art of regeneration and engineering of skeletal muscle tissue. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to structure and functions of skeletal muscle tissue, followed by discussion of cells with potential for repair of muscle injuries and dysfunctions. Next, we provide an overview of natural and synthetic biomaterials used in skeletal muscle TE, as well as description of techniques used to process the biomaterials into scaffolds. We also highlight the importance of mechanical and electrical stimulation during in vitro culture and their effect on cell differentiation and maturation. Last but not least, the latest results of in vivo studies are reported. The chapter is concluded with a short summary and outlook on future developments.