Stem Cell Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering is the science that combines the principles of cellular biology, material science and biomedical engineering techniques in order to obtain biological substitutes for regenerating, replacing, modifying, repairing or restoring the function of organs and tissues. For stem cells to be used in tissue engineering a scaffold is essential to provide the necessary support for the transport of nutrients, oxygen and the elimination of metabolic waste, promoting a conducive environment for cell growth and differentiation. The development of new biomaterials for tissue engineering provides a scientific basis for the creation of scaffolds that could provide appropriate regeneration and tissue repair. Scaffolds can be classified as permanent or resorbable. Permanent scaffolds are stable in vivo, while the resorbable scaffolds are reabsorbed in vivo, metabolized by the body.