Yonsei Med J.  2000 Dec;41(6):685-691. 10.3349/ymj.2000.41.6.685.

Tissue engineering in the twenty-first century

• Terada S
• Sato M
• Sevy A
• Vacanti JP

• KMID: 1114557
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2000.41.6.685

Abstract

In the 20th century, free tissue transfers have been successfully introduced using microvascular anastomosis techniques. Transplants not only include whole organs such as the kidney, liver and lung, but also bone, muscle and skin. However, there are a limited number of organs available for transplantation. This leads to the patient not only suffering from the malfunctioning tissue or organ, but also from the psychological trauma of an indefinite waiting period. The rapidly evolving field of tissue engineering is beginning to have an impact on free tissue transfers including organ. Small biopsy specimens can be grown into a large number of cells. These cultured cells can then be seeded onto biodegradable polymers, which serve several purposes. Firstly, the polymers function as a cell delivery system that enables the transplantation of a large numbers of cells into an organism. Secondly, they create a three-dimensional space for cell growth and serve as a template, thereby providing a structure for the extracellular matrix. These approaches have been demonstrated as practical strategies for the reconstruction of many tissues such as the liver, intestines, heart valve leaflets, bone and cartilage.

Keyword

Cell; culture; biology; polymer; biodegradation; liver; intestine; heart; finger; bone; cartilage; capillary

MeSH Terms

Animal
Biomedical Engineering/trends*
Bone and Bones
Capillaries
Cartilage
Heart Valves
Human
Intestine, Small/physiopathology
Liver, Artificial
Regeneration