Scaffold characteristics and their fabrication techniques for tissue engineering applications

Tissue engineering (TE) is the combination of engineering and natural sciences that use cells, engineering materials, and suitable biochemical factors to replace, repair, and improve a biological tissue. Although traditional medical and surgical treatments have been used for several years, the side effects of these methods have limited their usage. The scaffolds with supporting roles encourage cells to form new tissue-like structures. Also, scaffolds have controlled the release of growth factors and drugs in the defect area. The advantages and disadvantages characterize these two different classes of biomaterials. Synthetic polymers have good mechanical strength and their shape and degradation rate can be easily modified. The application of engineered tissues has provided a new way to restore lost tissues. Fabrication of a scaffold is an important step in the TE process. This review summarized and reviewed the characteristics of a scaffold including biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties, architecture, and manufacturing technologies. Additionally, this study provided an excellent review of the types of scaffolds and their fabrication techniques.

Keywords:

Biocompatibility , Biodegradability , Manufacturing technologies , Scaffold , Tissue engineering