Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Multi
nozzle
system
Syringe
heater
Working
area
Sample plate
Integrated organ printing system
Figure 4.3
Integrated organ printing system: a new technology in the field of regenerative medicine
using a thermal inkjet technique.
(bFGF) on vascularization in engineered tissues [140]. Incorporation of pro-angiogenic
molecules into scaffolds such as organ-specific ECM from liver offers support for sinusoidal
endothelial cells [141]. Synthetic biomaterials designed to provide signals that mimic those
from natural ECM will complement, and may eventually supersede, the use of the native
molecules [142].
Finally, consideration must be given to the cost effectiveness of bioengineered products,
which are generally quite high and have already impacted the progress of several clinical
trials. Decreasing the costs of bioengineered products will therefore need to be achieved
before bioengineering products can be used in clinical practice.
Summary and Conclusion
Regenerative medicine may provide novel therapies to replace or restore function to any
tissue or organ within the human body. Incorporating the fields of tissue engineering, cell
biology, nuclear transfer, and materials science, regenerative medicine researchers have mas-
tered the techniques of cell harvest, culture, expansion, transplantation, and polymer design
that are essential for translating these technologies to the clinic. A number of bioengineered
tissues are in various stages of development, and several clinical trials have begun to assess
safety and efficacy. Successful outcomes from these early clinical trials will help to ensure
the future of regenerative medicine therapies for tissue replacement or repair.
