Abstract
The field of tissue-engineering offers the potential for solving the problem of shortage of organ donors needed to maintain quality of life for an ageing worldwide population. This chapter presents a summary of the current status of clinical use of tissue-engineered constructs. Most tissue-engineered applications are still experimental with limited human trials. Several technological barriers must be overcome in order for clinical use of tissue-engineered constructs to become routine. Tissue engineering of organs shows promise at a level of basic research. Many limitations associated with achieving and maintaining large 3-D constructs of cells that are fully differentiated restrict clinical use. Repair of skin and cartilage with tissue-engineered approaches is clinically available, although problems of long-term stability still exist. Limited clinical trials are just beginning in other applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
