ABSTRACT
Tissue engineering can be defined as the application of scientific principles to the design, construction, modification, growth, and maintenance of living tissues. Tissue engineering can be divided into two broad categories: (1)
in vitro
construction of bioartificial tissues from cells isolated by enzymatic dissociation of donor tissue, and (2)
in vivo
alteration of cell growth and function. The first category of applications includes bioartificial tissues (i.e., tissues which are composed of natural and synthetic substances) to be used as an alternative to organ transplantation. Besides their potential clinical use, reconstructed organs may also be used as tools to study complex tissue functions and morphogenesis
in vitro
. For tissue engineering
in vivo
, the objective is to alter the growth and function of cells
in situ
, an example being the use of implanted polymeric tubes to promote the growth and reconnection of damaged nerves. Some representative examples of applications of tissue engineering currently being pursued are listed in Table 8.1.