Difficulties in the translation of functionalized biomaterials into regenerative medicine clinical products

There are many ways to influence cell activities, and biomaterials with functional groups attached is an attractive method that clearly has the ability to modulate cell behavior. The evidence is clear that biomaterials, with or without growth factors and cells, have resulted in numerous products for the regenerative medicine field. In contrast the functionalized biomaterial products remain in the development phase. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.