
It is the specialty that applies the principles of engineering and health sciences to make biological substitutes that enhance or replace organs or tissues that are so damaged that they can no longer perform their functions.
Artificial skin and cartilage are examples of artificial tissues, although they currently have limited use in human patients.
It treats diseases or traumas that have damaged certain tissues beyond repair. The most frequent diseases are cardiac (coronary disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, etc.), leukemia, degenerative diseases (discopathy, osteoarthritis), lymphomas, and monogenic diseases (cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy).
Extra bladders, small arteries, skin grafts, cartilage, and even a complete trachea have now been implanted in patients, although these are still experimental and very expensive.
As we age, our cells' ability to function eliminates and the genome assembles the traits of aging. Regenerative biology involves improving or replacing cells, containing old ones. One of the most important tools in regenerative biology is our ability to create “induced” stem cells.
It is important to understand that our skin is made up of cells, which have a certain lifespan, and once they accomplish this, they die and give way to other new cells.
However, over the years and as our age advances, these new cells lose part of their capacities, so that, for example, the production of proteins and collagen is reduced, two compounds essential to the structure of the skin. . .
But not only does age influence the aging of the skin, but there are also factors, both external and internal, which are linked to pollution, diet, hydration, stress, bad habits such as consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and of course exposure to the sun.
Gradually, devoid of this type of compound and exposed to the external and internal agents mentioned above, the skin loses its elasticity and radiance with which wrinkles appear, and it presents that aged appearance.
There are different anti-aging techniques and treatments with which we can enjoy a substantial improvement in the condition of our skin.
It is important to keep in mind that all of them are aimed at mitigating the negative effects caused by the external and internal factors that we mentioned in the previous section, but they are also aimed at delaying premature aging and achieving effective and healthy rejuvenation. Skin that delays the natural changes that occur with age.
Among the most popular, we can highlight: