Book Description
Skin is the largest organ of the body and is necessary for survival, since it performs many functions such as providing a physical barrier to the external environment, sensation, retention of normal hydration and thermal regulation. Significant skin loss is associated with high mortality and morbidity in the acute phase, and with physically and cosmetically drastic scarring in the long term. Although there are a number of tissue-engineered products in the clinic that are used as skin substitutes to promote healing of traumatic burn and diabetic wounds, yet they lack several important functions including those provided by the appendages such as the hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands. The understanding of cellular, molecular and engineering aspects of the pathology, repair and/or regeneration of skin after wound induction is of paramount importance in order to develop the next generation of tissue engineered products with gene-enhanced capacity. In that context, we brought together scientists from basic research, translational and bioengineering fields, whose work focus on cutting-edge research associated with the acquisition of new therapeutic approaches towards skin regeneration.
