Application of fibrin in tissue engineering. Achievements and perspectives

Abstract

In the last years, bioactive and biostatic activities of fibrin and the ability to entrapping and binding growth factors play a significant role in tissue engineering. Fibrin is most commonly applied in forms of gels and discs. Finally, every form of fibrin becomes gel as a result of water uptake. In vivo fibrin acts as a cell scaffold and can be applied as the gel in hardly accessible areas, filling damaged tissues and supporting surrounding tissues. Moreover, fibrin stops bleeding, initiates tissue repair processes, and plays the role of a cell stimulator agent. The modification of fibrin structure with adhesive molecules accelerates the reconstruction of the normal tissue. Structural properties of fibrin also make it possible to use it as a reservoir of growth factors and a controlled growth factor release system. The biodegradability of fibrin also allows for correlation of the matrices degradation with tissue reconstruction. Fibrin processing by 3D printing and electrospinning methods makes it possible to produce tailored to the injury pieces and nonwovens without losing fibrin bioactive properties. These methods could be used for the improvement of the mechanical properties of fibrin by the formulation of nonwovens with other polymers. These durable materials are especially important for the proper healing of such structures as bone and tendons. In the future, the biotechnological methods of fibrinogen synthesis may make it independent from blood source and increase the popularity of fibrin-based medical devices.