| Popis: |
Soft tissue repair is a very relevant and challenging area for the emerging fields of tissue engineering and biofabrication due to the complex three-dimensional structure in form of interwoven fibres and the relevant variations of mechanical properties present in these tissues. The need of elasticity, of structural integrity, of functional gradients of mechanical properties, among other requirements, has led to the development of several families of biomaterials and scaffolds for the repair and regeneration of soft tissues, although a perfect solution has not yet been found. Further research is needed to address the advantages of different technologies and materials for manufacturing enhanced, even personalized, scaffolds for tissue engineering studies and extra cellular matrices with outer geometries defined as implants for tissue repair, as the niche composition and 3D structure play an important role in stem cells state and fate. The combined use of computer-aided design, engineering and manufacturing resources together with rapid prototyping procedures, working on the basis of additive manufacturing approaches, allows for the efficient development of these types knowledge-based functionally graded scaffolds for soft tissue repair in a wide range of materials. In this chapter we present some design and manufacturing strategies for the development of knowledge-based tissue engineering scaffolds aimed at soft tissue repair. Complete cases of studies, linked to the development of several scaffolds for the repair of articular cartilage, tendons and muscles, with an example of a complete heart-valve scaffold and a set of scaffolds for artificial sphincters, are also detailed to illustrate the proposed strategies. |
