Institution: | aNIH/National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 6001 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States bNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 6701 Democracy Blvd, Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892-4872, United States cNIH/National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 200, MSC 5469, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States |
Abstract: | Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines engineering, physical sciences, biology, and medicine to restore or replace tissues and organs functions. In this review, enabling tools for tissue engineering are discussed in the context of four key areas or pillars: prediction, production, performance, and preservation. Prediction refers to the computational modeling where the ability to simulate cellular behavior in complex three-dimensional environments will be essential for design of tissues. Production refer imaging modalities that allow high resolution, non-invasive monitoring of the development and incorporation of tissue engineered constructs. Lastly, preservation includes biochemical tools that permit cryopreservation, vitrification, and freeze-drying of cells and tissues. Recent progress and future perspectives for development in each of these key areas are presented. |