Cultured differentiated human urothelial cells in the biomaterials field

To review the use of normal cultured differentiated human urothelial cells in the biomaterials field, we checked the literature for human urothelial cells in culture (HUC) both for their use in biocompatibility assessment and as bioartificial devices. The in vitro culture of differentiated human urothelium is now a simple and reliable procedure. These techniques provide new tools for biocompatibility assessment of urinary biomaterials, because for the rational design of a testing procedure, it is preferable that the particular cell culture models selected should be closely related to the end-use application. The emerging use of HUC culture should lead to the development of bioartificial tissue for urinary tract reconstruction. Tissue engineering techniques require urothelial cells and cell delivery matrices. The cytocompatibility of novel artificial delivery matrices should be assessed in vitro before implantation using cultured HUC to find the best material available.