Biomaterials in Regenerative Engineering: immunoengineering and translation

Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies aim to provide tissue substitutes for repair of defects due to disease, trauma, or congenital abnormalities. Biomaterials play a key role in tissue engineering strategies where they are designed to provide a three dimensional environment for cells, present biological cues, and implant in a physiological milieu. Defining biomaterial properties that have direct therapeutic relevance has inspired the focus on the immune response and its impact on not only biocompatibility but also regeneration directly. Translation of key technologies to clinical application in musculoskeletal and soft tissue reconstruction will also be presented.