The tissue engineered ear has been an iconic symbol of the field since 1991, when the report of an engineered ear in a mouse model was first published [1]. Since then, there have been numerous efforts to adapt the technology for clinical use. Replacement engineered ear can benefit patients with congenital and acquired ear defects. Current options for ear reconstruction utilize costal cartilage and/or rigid polymer implants. Good aesthetic results can be achieved using these methods. However, neither approach is able to duplicate the mechanical properties of a normal ear, in particular the considerable flexibility of auricular cartilage. Lack of flexibility and compliance can lead to patient discomfort and increased risk of extrusion through the skin [2].
A tissue engineered ear has an inherent advantage over conventional approaches because the structure is derived from the patient's own cartilage. In this approach, autologous auricular chondrocytes are harvested...
