Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: history, progress, and challenges

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine apply interdisciplinary tools to create biological substitutes.
• These aim to mimic tissues for diagnostics, research, and to replace/regenerate diseased or injured tissues.

Observation:

• Significant progress has been made in skin replacement and cartilage repair therapies.
• Prototypes for nerve conduits, blood vessels, liver, and heart tissues have been developed.
• Emerging technologies like microfabrication and 3D printing offer potential for future breakthroughs.

Findings:

• The field has seen modest beginnings with varying stages of development across applications.
• Mature therapies include skin replacement, with cartilage repair in proof-of-concept and liver tissue in early stages.
• Development of complex tissues is hindered by fundamental scientific issues and end-user needs.

Implications:

• Clinical translation for complex tissue substitutes remains slow despite technological advancements.
• Addressing fundamental scientific challenges and user requirements is crucial for future progress.
• Continued research and integration of new technologies are vital for advancing regenerative medicine therapies.