Methodologies for Processing Biodegradable and Natural Origin Scaffolds for Bone and Cartilage Tissue-Engineering Applications

The ultimate goal of tissue engineering is to replace, repair or enhance the biological function of damaged, absent or dysfunctional elements of a tissue or an organ. Engineered tissues are produced by using cells that are manipulated through their extracellular environment to develop living biological substitutes for tissues that are lacking or malfunctioning (1 –5 ). Many different strategies may be used to accomplish this goal. Among the most important factors that determine the selection of the best strategy for developing and utilizing engineered tissues are the technical feasibility, the required properties of the implant, and the interaction of the host with the graft.