Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
Address for correspondence: Steven A. Goldstein, Ph.D., Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Room G161, Mail Stop 0486, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0486. Voice: 734-763-9674; fax: 734-647-0003.
stevegld{at}umich.edu
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 961: 183-192 (2002).
The issues that should be considered as part of the design and
evaluation of tissue engineering constructs with respect to
their targeted clinical application are reviewed. This paper
provides a general framework for the process of bringing tissue-engineering
constructs from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside,
rather than presenting a detailed review of the engineering
or biologic principles or mechanisms that are necessary for
successful tissue engineering. Many of the principles are animated
by using examples from current studies being developed in my
laboratory or those of my collaborators. In all likelihood,
multiple solutions or approaches will be found that lead to
successful tissue-engineering constructs. The focus here is
on the identification of critical parameters to be considered
rather than specific design solutions. The review is therefore
organized to reflect feasible sequences of activities formulated
to take tissue engineering from concept to clinical reality.
