Research Projects

Epidermal progenitor/stem cells (EPCs) have been identified as potential sources for tissue engineering applications, such as the maintenance and healing of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. These cells can be transplanted alone or combined with biomaterial scaffolds like acellular dermal matrix (ADM), collagen, hyaluronic acid, and alginate, which could help close TM perforations faster. EPCs have self-renewal, differentiation ability, and secretion of bioactive factors, making them a promising alternative to cell-based therapies. However, there is a lack of studies on the isolation of human TM-derived stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo experimental outcomes. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies on TM-derived EPCs with different biological graft materials. EPCs secrete large volumes of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which mediate biological functions through cell-to-cell communication. These EVs offer advantages such as non-immunogenicity, non-tumorigenicity, and appropriate storage and transportation. The current research proposal aims to explore the potential of using TM as a tissue source of EPCs for autologous cell-based therapies or tissue engineering applications with biomaterial scaffolds for treating TM perforations. The potential of EPCs derived from TM will be assessed using a rabbit model, with a 'proof-of-concept' aiming to explore the use of TM as a tissue source of autologous stem cells for cell- and cell-free therapies or tissue engineering applications to treat chronic TM perforations.