Preclinical research studies for treating severe muscular injuries: focus on tissue-engineered strategies

Severe skeletal muscle injuries are a lifelong trauma with limited medical solutions. Significant progress has been made in developing in vitro surrogates for treating such trauma. However, more attention is needed when translating these approaches to the clinic. In this review, we survey the potential of tissue-engineered surrogates in promoting muscle healing, by critically analyzing data from recent preclinical models. The therapeutic advantages provided by a combination of different biomaterials, cell types, and biochemical mediators are discussed. Current therapies on muscle healing are also summarized, emphasizing their main advantages and drawbacks. We also discuss previous and ongoing clinical trials as well as highlighting future directions for the field.

Automated summary

This review examines the potential of tissue-engineered surrogates in promoting muscle healing by critically analyzing data from recent preclinical models. It discusses the therapeutic advantages provided by a combination of different biomaterials, cell types, and biochemical mediators. The current therapies on muscle healing are summarized, highlighting their main advantages and drawbacks. Previous and ongoing clinical trials are also discussed, along with future directions for the field.