Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Tissue engineering scaffolds and the future
One key area of research gaining significant attention over
the past several years is tissue engineered scaffolds. This
technology combines an engineered scaffold, or three-
dimensional structure, with living cells. These scaffolds
can be constructed of various materials and into various
shapes depending on the desired application. One such
concept is the use of the biodegradable hydrogel-textile
substrate (
Chu
et al.
, 2002
). Their concept uses a 3D
porous biodegradable hydrogel on a non-woven fabric
structure. An alternate concept developed by Karamuk
et al.
(2000, 2001) uses a 3D embroidered scaffold to
form a tissue-engineered substrate. With this concept,
polyester yarns were used to form a complex textile
structure, which allowed for easy deformation that they
believe will enhance cellular attachment and cell growth.
Risbud
et al.
(2002
) reported on the development of 3D
chitosan-collagen hydrogel coating for fabric meshes to
support endothelial cell growth. They are directing their
research toward the development of liver bioreactors.
Further in the future, various novel concepts will be
undergoing development.
Heim
et al.
(2002
) reported on
the development of a textile-based tissue engineered
heart valve.
Using microfiber woven technology, Heim
et al.
(2002) hypothesized that the filaments could be ori-
ented along the stress lines and the fabric based leaflet
structurewouldhavegoodfatigueresistancewith
minimal bending stiffness. Significant development is
required before this concept can be used
in vivo.
Coatings on textile based vascular grafts continue to be
an area of interest.
Coury
et al.
, (2000
)reportedonthe
use of a synthetic hydrogel coating based on PEG to
replace collagen. If successful, the use of a synthetic
coating would be preferable to use of a collagen one
since it will reduce manufacturing costs and graft-to-
graft variability that typically occurs with naturally de-
rived collagen materials. As mentioned earlier, even silk
is undergoing modifications to enhance its bio-
compatibility for cardiovascular applications by sulfa-
tion and copolymerization with various monomers
(
Ta m a d a
et al.
, 2000
). These concepts will provide new
and novel implantable products for advancing medical
treatments and therapies in the future.
Summary
In summary, it can be stated that the use of biotextiles in
medicine will continue to grow as new polymers, coat-
ings, constructions, and finishing processes are in-
troduced to meet the device needs of the future. In
particular, advances in genetic engineering, fiber spinning,
and surface modification technologies will provide a new
generation of biopolymers and fibrous materials with
unique chemical, mechanical, biological, and surface
properties that will be responsible for achieving the
previously unobtainable goal of tissue-engineered organs.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Ruwan Sumansinghe and Henry Sun
for their technical assistance in preparing this manuscript.
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