Sample Chapter(s)
Chapter 1: IAEA Programmes in Tissue Banking in Asia-Pacific Region (5,359 KB)

This book is a comprehensive guide for all tissue bank operators to screen, procure and process amniotic membrane for clinical application.

The amnion comes close to being the ideal biological membrane or dressing — readily available, inexpensive to procure and process. Its basic science is discussed in detail — anatomy, biological and biomechanical properties.

It can be procured from the placenta in normal vaginal deliveries and from Caesarean Sections. Processing is by freeze-drying or by air-drying process with sterilisation using gamma irradiation.

The product has low antigenicity, has anti-microbial properties with ability to enhance epithelisation with marked relief of pain. It is useful as a dressing for wounds — flap wounds, burn wounds, injury wounds, diabetic ulcers, leprous ulcers and post-surgery wounds and post-radiation wounds. It is also used as a biological scaffold for cells in tissue engineering. Its ophthalmic applications include treatment of corneal ulcers and conjunctival tumours. Oral uses include gingiva depigmentation and periodontal regeneration.
Professor Aziz Nather, MBBS (Sing), FRCS (Ed), FRCS (Glas), MD (Sing), FAMS (Sing), Senior Consultant, Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Chairman of NUH Diabetic Foot Team, Director of NUH Tissue Bank.

Authors

Human Amniotic Membrane: Basic Science and Clinical Application