Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Tissue engineering is a field of study that focuses on the integration of scaffolds, cells, and bioactive factors to produce functional biological tissues. Novel biomaterials provide the foundation for the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Through the use and improvement of these biocompatible materials, biomedical engineers and researchers have been able to develop treatments that address unmet clinical needs as well as improve earlier practices. These treatments address a wide range of disciplines from musculoskeletal applications to tissue regeneration. An advantage is that the Food and Drug Administration has approved several biomaterials, both natural and synthetic, as compliant for use in the human body. This prior approval enables researchers to improve the use of biomaterials in their approved applications, and advance the quality of treatment in a shorter period of time. Scientists, engineers, and clinicians all work in a collaborative effort to design treatments with biomaterials that closely resemble human tissues, and promote optimal repair or regeneration at the targeted site. This article will describe some of the most commonly used natural and synthetic biomaterials including their uses, advantages, disadvantages, and applications for various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.