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An Assessment of the Role of Polymers for Drug Delivery in Tissue Engineering
Published in Ijeoma F. Uchegbu, Andreas G. Schätzlein, Polymers in Drug Delivery, 2006
Patrick J. Ginty, Steven M. Howdle, Felicity R.A.J. Rose, Kevin M. Shakesheff
In order to achieve realistic tissue reconstruction, it is important that cells receive both physical support and chemical direction during growth. For example, the cells that form cartilage, chondrocytes, produce collagen so that it can provide mechanical support and assist tissue growth. Collagen is a naturally occurring structural protein that binds to and surrounds the cells to form the extracellular matrix of cartilage (ECM). The role of the ECM is to provide the necessary physical and biological support to the cells during tissue formation [1]. A polymer scaffold or matrix can take on this role of physical and biological support, as will be discussed later. However, some degree of chemical direction is needed to supplement the support given by the ECM. Chemical direction is given by endogenous proteins known as growth factors and cytokines. Growth factors are molecules that stimulate the cellular processes that drive tissue growth, such as proliferation and differentiation. The term cytokine is generally used to describe chemical messengers secreted by cells of the immune system that mediate the immune response [7]. In order to deliver these molecules to the cells in question, some kind of controlled-release device is required that will allow sustained and effective delivery.
Regeneration: Nanomaterials for Tissue Regeneration
Published in Harry F. Tibbals, Medical Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, 2017
Cellular engineering includes recruitment or stimulation of endogenous cells to promote healing, as well as exogenous introduction of stem cells or other appropriate explants (Figure 7.1). Tissue engineering includes the application of tissue growth scaffolds and guides, with biochemical and nanosur-face engineering to promote the recruitment, adhesion, and organization of cell growth. Gene therapy involves delivery of genetic materials into cells to replace missing or defective protein sources, growth promoters, cell signaling, or immunological components.
Polyurethane/nano-hydroxyapatite composite films as osteogenic platforms
Published in Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2018
Bailey K. Jackson, Austin J. Bow, Ganesh Kannarpady, Alexandru S. Biris, David E. Anderson, Madhu Dhar, Shawn E. Bourdo
Tissue engineering, a field that merges engineering with medical research, utilizes materials with complex bio-physico-chemical properties and living cells to either generate tissue in vitro or promote rapid tissue growth in vivo. With the development of materials that have tunable characteristics, new areas of tissue engineering research have emerged related to the regeneration of missing tissues due to trauma, disease, or military combat. Within this field, bone tissue engineering focuses on assisting bone growth, healing, or regeneration. Bone injuries often require prolonged periods of time to heal and can cause long-term problems if they do not heal properly. Simple fractures usually heal without complicated therapies, but complex fractures involving shattered or missing bone often require void filling, a scaffold to guide healing, or a construct to support the area and/or assist in healing.