Bio-boosting transplants: a systematic review on biopolymers in vascular composite allotransplantation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) joins skin, muscle, bone, nerve, and vessels into a single graft that is both highly immunogenic and mechanically complex. Biopolymers, natural or synthetic, can provide structural scaffolding, localized drug release, and immune modulation. Although widely explored in solid-organ transplantation, their utility in VCA is poorly defined. We therefore conducted a systematic review to consolidate current evidence and map translational priorities.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA 2020 and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251039845), we searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar through April 2025. Original studies evaluating biopolymers in any VCA-relevant setting (in vitro, animal, or cl

SUBMITTER: Knoedler L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12861910 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature