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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Experimental Approaches to Tissue Engineering
Published on: August 30, 2007
Using Remote Fields for Complex Tissue Engineering
James P K Armstrong1, Molly M Stevens1
1Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
Abstract:
Great strides have been taken towards the in vitro engineering of clinically relevant tissue constructs using the classic triad of cells, materials, and biochemical factors. In this perspective, we highlight ways in which these elements can be manipulated or stimulated using a fourth component: the application of remote fields. This arena has gained great momentum over the last few years, with a recent surge of interest in using magnetic, optical, and acoustic fields to guide the organization of cells, materials, and biochemical factors. We summarize recent developments and trends in this arena and then lay out a series of challenges that we believe, if met, could enable the widespread adoption of remote fields in mainstream tissue engineering.
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