Abstract
This chapter illustrates the different types and functions of bone. It summarizes the different steps in bone tissue engineering and components of a bone tissue engineering graft. Bone serves a main biomechanical function with excellent tensile and loading strength, and is involved in calcium metabolism and hematopoiesis. Currently, the most optimal bone graft is cancellous autograft bone with osteoconductive, osteoinductive and, to some extent, osteogenic qualities. Some of its drawbacks are limited supply, longer surgical procedures to obtain the graft, and concomitant complications. These drawbacks and financial reasons have boosted research into alternative bone grafts. The chapter also states that a scaffold for bone tissue engineering should ideally match the mechanical properties of the bone. It replaces and participates in the natural remodeling process, which means that it should be resorbable.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Tissue Engineering |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 559-610 |
Number of pages | 52 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123708694 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering