Scaffold-free: A developing technique in field of tissue engineering (original) (raw)

In Vitro Characterization of Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering -A Review

— Scaffolds are artificial structures that replace the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Scaffolds are capable of supporting three dimensional tissue formations. The natural ECM performs functions, like regulating intercellular communication along with providing support to the cells. A variety of fabricating methods are adopted for preparing scaffolds from a wide range of available biomaterials. The scaffolds thus produced can function as a successful scaffold only if they satisfy the necessary parameters. The suitability of any scaffold for tissue engineering application is tested by using a battery of tests that is a combination of mechanical and biological tests. This paper reviews the test methods adopted by researchers to test the suitability of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Recent advances and current developments in tissue scaffolding

Bio-medical materials and engineering, 2005

A bio-scaffold can be broadly termed as a structure used to substitute an organ either permanently or temporarily to restore functionality. The material that can be used varies with the application intended. Tissue engineering is one such application demanding certain requirements to be met before it is applied. One of the applications in tissue engineering is the tissue scaffold, which provides either a permanent or temporary support to the damaged tissues/organ until the functionalities are restored. A biomaterial can exhibit specific interactions with cells that will lead to stereotyped responses. The use of a particular material and morphology depends on various factors such as osteoinduction, osteoconduction, angiogenesis, growth rates of cells and degradation rate of the material in case of temporary scaffolds, etc. The current work reviews the state of art in tissue scaffolds and focuses on permanent scaffold materials and applications with a brief overview of temporary scaff...

The design of scaffolds for use in tissue engineering. Part I. Traditional factors

Tissue engineering, 2001

Tissue engineering (TE) is an important emerging area in biomedical engineering for creating biological alternatives for harvested tissues, implants, and prostheses. In TE, a highly porous artificial extracellular matrix or scaffold is required to accommodate mammalian cells and guide their growth and tissue regeneration in three-dimension (3D). However, existing 3D scaffolds for TE proved less than ideal for actual applications because they lack mechanical strength, interconnected channels, and controlled porosity or pores distribution. In this paper, the authors review the application and advancement of rapid prototyping (RP) techniques in the design and creation of synthetic scaffolds for use in TE. We also review the advantages and benefits, and limitations and shortcomings of current RP techniques as well as the future direction of RP development in TE scaffold fabrication.

Investigation of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Potential Medical Applications

Table 1.: Uses of biomaterials [14] Problem area Examples Replacement of disease or damaged part Artificial hip joint, kidney dialysis machine Assist in healing Sutures, bone plates and screws Improve function Cardiac pacemaker, intraocular lens Correct functional abnormality Dental implant Correct cosmetic problem Mammoplasty, cosmetic dentistry Aid to diagnosis Probes and catheters Aid to treatment Catheters, drains As Table 1. describes the biomaterials can be used for various purposes. From lifesaving medical treatments, through functional regenerative surgeries to the tissue management for esthetic improvement, they are used in all aspects of medicine.