Tissue engineering polysaccharides

Abstract Synthetic polymers and biopolymers are extensively used within the field of tissue engineering. Some common examples of these materials include polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, collagen, elastin, and various forms of polysaccharides. In terms of application, these materials are primarily used in the construction of scaffolds that aid in the local delivery of cells and growth factors, and in many cases fulfill a mechanical role in supporting physiologic loads that would otherwise be supported by a healthy tissue. In this review we will examine the development of scaffolds derived from biopolymers and their use with various cell types in the context of tissue engineering the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. 

The universal character of the LbL method has catalyzed the introduction of the method for a wide range of bioapplications. Proteins (enzymes) [30-33], polypeptides [34], polysaccharides [35], lipids [36, 37], nucleic acids [38-42], viruses [43], inorganic particles, and crystals [44] have been embedded in the films. Use of these compounds makes the films attractive for biorelated applications such as biosensors, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biocoatings. Biological [45, 46] and nonbio-logical [21, 47 19] applications of LbL films are reviewed in the literature. 

Suh, J.K.F. Matthew, H.W.T. Application of chitosan-based polysaccharide biomaterials in cartilage tissue engineering A review. Biomaterials 2000, 21, 2589-2598. 

Alginate, a natural polysaccharide, is obtained from seaweed and finds widespread use in tissue engineering research. Alginate is comprised of chains of guluronic acid and marmuronic acid, with the amoxmt and length... 

Alginates are a versatile class of polysaccharides that present a great tool as materials for tissue engineering. They have been formulated as gels, microspheres, foams, and fibers in tissue engineering and for delivery of drugs and... 

The major natural polymers currently in use are proteins and polysaccharides. Due to diverse physical and chemical properties, natural polymers play a key role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In the following section, we describe some frequently used protein polymers for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. 

Iwasaki, N., Yamane, S-T., Majima, T. et al. (2004) Feasibility of polysaccharide hybrid materials for scaffolds in cartilage tissue engineering evaluation of chondrocyte adhesion to polyion complex fibers prepared from alginate and chitosan. Biomacromoleades, 5, 828-823. 

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