Human AM (hAM) unites the requirements for stem cell specification with the mechanical and guiding properties needed for a tissue engineering strategy in peripheral nerve regeneration. Our team differentiates viable hAM towards the Schwann cell lineage, without prior cell isolation. Furthermore, we plan to optimize and up-scale the differentiation process regarding culture conditions and time, approaching in vivo implementation of the differentiated amniotic membrane.
Furthermore, as the human amniotic membrane displays an array of possibilities, we explore the potential to modify its bio-mechanical properties. On that account, as adhesion post-surgery is a common problem and transplanted material often needs to have non-adhesive surfaces, work on differentiation of human amniotic membrane in toto towards the lung epithelial phenotype, as these cells are known to produce surfactant molecules, which may enhance gliding properties of the surface of the amniotic membrane.
Selected Publications
Weidinger A, Poženel L, Wolbank S, Banerjee A (2021). Sub-Regional Differences of the Human Amniotic Membrane and Their Potential Impact on Tissue Regeneration Application. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021 Jan 13;8:613804.
(free PDF)
Poženel L, Lindenmair A, Schmidt K, Kozlov AV, Grillari J, Wolbank S, Banerjee A, Weidinger A (2019). Critical Impact of Human Amniotic Membrane Tension on Mitochondrial Function and Cell Viability In Vitro.Cells. 2019 Dec 15;8(12):1641.
(free PDF)
Banerjee A, Lindenmair A, Steinborn R, Dumitrescu SD, Hennerbichler S, Kozlov AV, Redl H, Wolbank S, Weidinger A (2018). Oxygen Tension Strongly Influences Metabolic Parameters and the Release of Interleukin-6 of Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro. Stem Cells Int. 2018 Oct 28;2018:9502451.
(free PDF)
Banerjee A, Lindenmair A, Hennerbichler S, Steindorf P, Steinborn R, Kozlov AV, Redl H, Wolbank S, Weidinger A (2018). Cellular and Site-Specific Mitochondrial Characterization of Vital Human Amniotic Membrane. Cell Transplant. 2018 Jan;27(1):3-11.
(free PDF)