A critical review on polymer-based bio-engineered materials for scaffold development

dSince the last decade, tissue engineering has shown a sensational promise in providing more viable alternatives to surgical procedures for harvested tissues, implants and prostheses. Due to the fast development on biomaterial technologies, it is now possible for doctors to use patients' cells to repair orthopedic defects such as focal articular cartilage lesions. In order to support the three-dimensional tissue formation, scaffolds made by biocompatible and bioresorbable polymers and composite materials, for providing temporary support of damaged body and cell structures have been developed recently. Although ceramic and metallic materials have been widely accepted for the development of implants, its non-resorbability and necessity of second surgical operation, which induces extra for the patients, limit their wide applications. This review article aims at introducing (i) concept of cartilage tissue engineering, (ii) common types of bio-engineered materials and (iii) future development of biomaterial scaffolds. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.