|
|
Tissue
engineering is a process by which new tissues are generated to replace,
repair, or aid existing tissues. Usually, tissue engineering is based
upon biomimetic or bioinspired strategies; i.e. the tissue engineer
utilizes principles found in nature to generate novel tissues. Today,
tissue engineering reaches beyond merely copying or mimicking natural
processes. One aspect of tissue engineering has increasingly become
a synthetic science in which concepts found in biological organisms
are utilized to fabricate novel, biocompatible materials, often based
on nanotechnology. A second trend in tissue engineering has developed
in which the bioinductive properties of molecules are exploited to
induce the regeneration of lost or deficient tissues. Classic concepts
of tissue engineering are founded on the "Tissue Engineering
Triad" consisting of cells (usually stem cells or inducible pluripotent
cells), signaling systems, and matrices (scaffolds). These concepts
are based on the paradigm that in order to replace or repair a normal
tissue environment, all three components of natural tissues have to
be rebuilt: cells, molecules, and the extracellular matrix environment,
in which cells and molecules occur. Dr. Luan's research is part of the Brodie Laboratory for Craniofacial Genetics. |
|
 |
|
