Researchers at this Centre for Research and Training in Regenerative Medicine are currently conducting both experimental and clinical tests on the great capacity of the amniotic membrane to promote the regeneration of human tissues.

Regenerative surgery is based on interventions designed not only to repair damaged human tissues, but also to activate a process of real regeneration through the assembly of its three key components, namely adult stem cells, growth factors, and a suitable scaffold (a biological material that is able to receive and structure regenerated tissues). This represents the goal of all researchers in the field, and those at the Centre’s Academy are directing their efforts at harnessing the potential of the amniotic membrane, which promises to be a “natural and universal scaffold” for all regenerative surgery applications. Indeed, a natural carrier of adult stem cells and growth factors, amniotic membrane enables the exchange of nutrients during human pregnancy, and in regenerative medicine can act as a source of these valuable healing components for all tissue types.

The most innovative projects that the Academy’s researchers are working on at the moment are the applications of amniotic membrane in the regeneration of soft tissues and peripheral nerves in reconstructive plastic surgery. There are many advantages to using this material for such purposes; first and foremost an amniotic membrane graft provides all three of the necessary prerequisites for healing (stem cells, growth factors and an ideal biological scaffold). Furthermore, the amniotic membrane is discarded after delivery, and therefore its use in surgery does not give rise to the ethical dilemmas that surround the harvesting of embryonic tissue, for example. Moreover, amniotic membrane is able to enhance the regenerative process by means of its own innate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and low-antigenic properties, meaning that there is negligible risk of rejection of amniotic membrane grafts.