Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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(a)
(b)
Cathode
Anode
Particles
45S5-YSZ
YSZ
Ti6Al4V
20.0 µm
FIGURE 9.15
(a) Double-layer EPD process with a magnification of the particle and its double layer. (b) SEM of Ti 6 Al 4 V sub-
strates with zirconia-Bioglass ® composite layers. (From Radice et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. A, 82A(2), 436-444,
2007. With permission [40].)
BioactiveGlassCoatingsforTissueEngineeringApplications
Tissue engineering is defined as the design and manufacture, in the laboratory, of living,
functional tissue components that can be used for the repair and regeneration of mal-
functioning tissues [8]. The field is an interdisciplinary one, bringing together engineer-
ing, science, and medicine. Initially, tissue-engineered devices consisted of two functional
groups: cells and scaffolds. In the early 1990s, much effort was focused on engineering
complete functional tissues and organs. Host tissue structural complexity coupled with
difficulties in perfusion of large tissue constructs have, in part, limited the development
of engineered tissues. In the past 10 years, research has focused on engineering specific
genetic/bimolecular/nanoscopic process to regenerate host tissue sections as opposed to
organs. This has mainly been due to the fact it is currently not possible to create a fully
vascularized tissue. Ideally the biomaterial devices used would be resorbed away and
replaced with regenerate healthy tissue. Based on recent data from both in vivo studies
and limited clinical trials, it has become clear that biomaterial scaffolds need be designed
to include nanoscopic features to mimic the form and function of the host tissue extracel-
lular matrix (ECM) regulating, in part to achieve precise cellular immobilization and func-
tion at the host tissue site.
The development of implantable devices for tissue engineering applications is consid-
ered as the marriage of three functional design components:
1. Scaffold. A temporary structure, via controlled degradation, that mimics the extra-
cellular matrix (ECM) providing appropriate mechanical integrity, porosity, and
pore interconnectivity, and favorable surface conditions (e.g., geometric surface
features, hydrophobicity, surface roughness, and surface attachment of proteins)
for cellular growth and regulation of intracellular signaling molecules
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