"Until now, retention of salivary gland cell properties has not been possible using other tissue culture techniques. This unique culture system has great potential for future salivary gland research and for the development of new cell-based therapeutics." Dr. Yeh explained.
http://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2015-07-scientists-silk-secret-regenerating-salivary.html
Looking further into the future, Prof. Yeh believes that within the next 10 years, we will be repairing damaged salivary glands in patients by transfusing stem cells, or engineering artificial salivary gland tissue to replace damaged glands.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297497.php