Tissue engineering applications and stem cell approaches to the skin, nerves and blood vessels.
Tissue engineering applies the principles of life sciences and engineering to the development of biological substitutes to restore, maintain or improve tissue function. Developments in this multidisciplinary field have yielded advances in the reconstruction of skin, peripheral nerves and blood vessels. In this review we highlight the fundamental principles and challenges of engineering products which can mimic both the structure and function of these tissues in their healthy state. We discuss the recent progress in the field with its implications for revolutionising healthcare in the future.
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, United Kingdom. emmapicardo@yahoo.co.uk
Natasha E
NE
Picardo
Wasim S
WS
Khan
D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D009417:Nerve Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D044968:Regenerative Medicine; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering