Abstract

Our body consists of a variety of tissues, each with unique structure and function. After disease or trauma, tissue function is partially or completely disrupted, and thus has to be replaced. In tissue engineering we attempt to create living tissues and organs in the laboratory by combining cells with a supportive matrix (scaffold) and suitable biochemical factors. There are a variety of biomaterials that are used as scaffolds. These provide cells with the mechanical, and biochemical cues found in native tissues. Additionally, scaffolds provide a 3-dimensional structure, thereby spatially directing cell-mediated tissue regeneration in an appropriate manner. The speakers will give examples of different biomaterials used for tissue engineering, and how manipulation of the material properties can affect the cellular response in vitro and scaffold performance in vivo. Some methodology of scaffolds production will also be discussed.