tissueengineering

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies principles of biology, materials science, and engineering to develop biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.

It typically combines three elements: cells or tissues with regenerative capacity, scaffolds or matrices that provide structure, and signaling molecules such as growth factors that guide tissue formation.

Common approaches include seeding cells on biocompatible scaffolds made from natural or synthetic polymers; using decellularized tissues as scaffolds; and fabricating tissues with three-dimensional bioprinting. Bioreactors provide controlled environments to promote maturation.

Applications include skin substitutes for burns, cartilage and bone repair, blood vessel grafts, tracheal replacements, and cardiac patches. Whole-organ engineering remains experimental, with transplantation largely relying on donor organs or decellularized organ frameworks.

Challenges include achieving vascularization, proper integration with host tissue, immune compatibility, and scalable manufacturing. Ethical and regulatory considerations govern stem cell sources, clinical trials, and commercialization. Ongoing research seeks to improve materials, imaging, and biophysical cues to translate laboratory work into therapies.