Animal Models for Preclinical Evaluation of Bioresorbable Scaffolds and Tissue-Engineered Constructs in Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is an important component of rehabilitation after mastectomy, aimed at restoring breast shape and volume and improving patients’ psychosocial recovery. Although silicone implants and autologous tissue flaps remain standard clinical options, both have relevant limitations, including capsular contracture, implant-related complications, donor-site morbidity, and limited ability to reproduce the dynamic properties of native breast tissue. Bioresorbable scaffolds and tissue-engineered constructs have therefore emerged as promising approaches to support vascular ingrowth, adipose tissue regeneration, and gradual replacement of the implant by host tissue. Their translation, however, requires adequate preclinical models for assessing biocompatibility, inflammatory response, capsule formation, scaffold degradation, volume stability, and regenerative potential in vivo. This review analyzes animal models used in the development of implants and bioresorbable scaffolds for breast reconstruction, focusing on rodents, rabbits, and porcine platforms. Rodent models are considered early screening systems for foreign body response, macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, adipogenesis, and irradiation effects. Rabbit models serve as intermediate platforms for capsular reaction, acellular dermal matrices, radiation-associated fibrosis, and soft-tissue regeneration. Porcine models provide clinically relevant large-animal systems for evaluating patient-scale constructs, imaging compatibility, surgical feasibility, long-term remodeling, and scaffold-guided breast tissue regeneration. Overall, the available evidence indicates that no single animal model can fully reproduce the complexity of human breast reconstruction. A rational translational pathway should combine different models according to the stage of scaffold development, the specific biological question, and the intended clinical application.