Tissue and organ failure, provoked by injury, degenerative diseases or other types of damage, constitutes a major health problem. Currently, most common treatment options include surgical repair, transplantation, artificial prostheses, or even mechanical devices, and in a few cases, drug therapy. Ultimately, however, major damage can neither be repaired nor exhibit an effective and satisfactory long-term recovery by these methods.
Tissue engineering is emerging as a significant potential alternative or complementary solution. Efforts are concentrated on addressing tissue and organ failure by implanting natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic tissue and organ mimics, that can either be fully functional, or eventually grow into the required functionality.
Tissue engineering is emerging as a significant potential alternative or complementary solution. Efforts are concentrated on addressing tissue and organ failure by implanting natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic tissue and organ mimics, that can either be fully functional, or eventually grow into the required functionality.