# Tracheal Regeneration: Recent Progress in the Application of Stem Cells in Tracheal Bioengineering

## TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress in using stem cells and bioengineering to create transplantable tracheal grafts for treating airway defects.

## Contribution

The paper highlights novel approaches using pluripotent stem cells and 3D scaffolds for tracheal regeneration.

## Key findings

- Recellularization of scaffolds with appropriate cell types can reconstitute tracheal epithelium and cartilage.
- Pluripotent stem cells offer new potential for generating transplantable tracheal grafts.
- Challenges remain in translating these technologies into clinical applications.

## Abstract

Traumatic injury, stenosis, and malignancy involving large segments of the airway are difficult to reconstruct and require novel solutions. Despite advances in surgical techniques, the reconstruction of long-segment tracheal defects remains a significant challenge. Several bioengineering approaches have been explored for tracheal regeneration in vitro and in vivo, using cells in combination with three dimentional (3D) biological or synthetic scaffolds. This paper reviews recent advances in developing bioengineered trachea and the technologies utilized toward generating transplantable tracheal grafts. Specifically, the review will focus on the recellularization of tissue-engineered grafts using natural or synthetic scaffolds, highlighting relevant cell types used to reconstitute tracheal epithelium and cartilage. The promise of newly explored paradigms, including the application of pluripotent stem cells, will be discussed with an overview of associated challenges and necessary steps for future translation. Overall, these advances provide a foundation for the development of clinically viable tracheal grafts, bringing engineered tracheal reconstruction closer to reality.