amnion membrane

The amnion membrane is a biologic tissue derived from the innermost layer of the placenta. It consists of several layers including an epithelial layer and a basement membrane rich in collagen and growth factors. The amnion is avascular and possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial/antimicrobial, anti-viral, immunomodulatory (low HLA expression), anti-scarring (anti-fibrotic), analgesic (pain-relieving), pro-epithelialization and both pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic properties depending on context[2][5][6][9]. Its mechanism of action includes providing a physical barrier for wound protection; delivering cytokines and growth factors that promote cell migration/proliferation/differentiation; suppressing inflammation; inhibiting fibrosis/scarring; reducing pain by covering nerve endings; preventing infection via defensins and other molecules[3][5]. The amnion also contains stem cells with regenerative potential. Clinically it is used as an allogeneic graft or patch in ophthalmology (ocular surface reconstruction for burns/ulcers/surgical wounds), wound care (chronic ulcers/burns/skin injuries), orthopedics (bone/tendon repair), gynecology/urology/plastic surgery/gastrointestinal surgery/neurosurgery for tissue regeneration[4][6][7]. Commercially available products are sterilized/dehydrated or cryopreserved forms applied topically as patches/grafts or injected.

Brand names

AffinityAmnioBand MembraneAmnioExcelBiovanceEpiCordEpiFixGrafixAmnioGraftAmbioDiskProKera

Other names

amniotic membranehuman amniotic membrane (HAM)amnion