Biotin Can Help Build Alternatives to Synthetic Breast Implants
Replacing large volumes of tissue involving the subcutaneous fat layer lost to trauma or surgery (e.g., mastectomy) is a challenge. Transferring fat alone only works in small areas, and requires repeated injections. This is because without supporting blood vessels, the grafted fat gets absorbed back into the body (instead of maintaining the volume).33
Currently the only way to maintain volume when replacing tissue is with either synthetic implants or incorporating flaps containing blood vessels from other areas of the body (e.g., TRAM-flap or DIEP breast reconstruction surgery). Both of these options have drawbacks, including allergic reactions or immune rejection for synthetic implants, or the risk of infection or deformity at the site where donor tissue is taken from in transfer surgery.33
Adipose tissue engineering is on the cutting edge of biomedical research, seeking to stimulate fat formation on an engineered scaffold. These scaffolds are made of biodegradable synthetic or natural materials.33
Biotin is used to help stimulate the formation of fat cells from glucose. Additionally, recent research demonstrates that using avidin/biotin bonding affinities increases binding of adipose stem cells (ASCs) to biotinylated scaffolding, without interfering in fat cell proliferation. These results suggest that using biotin and avidin may facilitate the efficient use of ASCs in adipose tissue engineering.33-34
Biotin is used to help stimulate the formation of fat cells from glucose. Additionally, recent research demonstrates that using avidin/biotin bonding affinities increases binding of adipose stem cells (ASCs) to biotinylated scaffolding, without interfering in fat cell proliferation. These results suggest that using biotin and avidin may facilitate the efficient use of ASCs in adipose tissue engineering.33-34