Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates principles of materials science, cell biology, and engineering to develop functional substitutes for damaged tissues and organs. It focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of biomaterials—such as polymers, ceramics, and metals—that are biocompatible and can support biological processes. These materials are often fabricated into three-dimensional scaffolds that mimic the native tissue environment, providing a framework onto which cells can attach, proliferate, and differentiate to form new, functional tissue for applications in regenerative medicine, medical implants, and drug delivery systems.

  1. Introduction to Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
    1. Historical Development
      1. Ancient Biomaterials
        1. Early Surgical Materials
          1. Development of Modern Synthetic Materials
            1. Birth of Tissue Engineering
              1. Key Milestones and Breakthroughs
                1. Current State and Future Directions
                2. Fundamental Definitions
                  1. Biomaterial
                    1. Biocompatibility
                      1. Tissue Engineering
                        1. Regenerative Medicine
                          1. Bioengineering
                            1. Biomimetics
                            2. Field Relationships and Distinctions
                              1. Biomaterials vs. Medical Devices
                                1. Tissue Engineering vs. Regenerative Medicine
                                  1. Relationship to Biomedical Engineering
                                  2. The Tissue Engineering Paradigm
                                    1. The Tissue Engineering Triad
                                      1. Scaffolds
                                        1. Cells
                                          1. Signaling Molecules
                                            1. Integration of Components
                                            2. Clinical Needs and Applications
                                              1. Organ Shortage Crisis
                                                1. Limitations of Current Treatments
                                                  1. Potential Solutions Through Tissue Engineering