Nondestructive evaluation of biodegradable porous matrices for tissue engineering

Significant advances in transplantation therapy for end stage organ failure or tissue repair have led to a shortage of donor organs and reconstructive tissue. Alternatives to remedy this deficiency are being investigated. In particular, the engineering of tissue using natural or synthetic polymers and isolated cells from the organ or tissue of interest has received increasing attention in the past few years (1-9). The idea behind this approach is that the extracellular matrices made of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers can provide initial structural support for cell adhesion and growth, and gradually reabsorb during organ/tissue generation without any detrimental effect to formed tissue.