The principles of tissue engineering and its recent advances and future prospects

ABSTRACT

The definition of tissue engineering by Langer is "an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and the life sciences toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function." This technology has achieved remarkable growth in the past 20 years, provoked by its potential role in regenerating new tissues and naturally healing injured or diseased organs. Although stem cells are still in the research phase, their pluripotency and unlimited capacity for self-renewal may enable significant advances for reconstructive and cosmetic procedures with this engineering technology. This article aims at outlining the principles of tissue engineering and its recent advances and future prospects.