Biomaterials & Scaffolds 生物材料與再生支架

1. Definition & Classification

Biomaterials are materials used in medical devices or implants that are biocompatible and non-toxic; scaffolds are three-dimensional structures made from biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix, supporting cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, and are eventually degraded or absorbed as new tissue forms .

2. Skin & Soft Tissue Repair

• Endoform™ Ovine Forestomach Matrix Dermal Template
  A decellularized ovine forestomach membrane is used to treat acute and chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. Clinical studies show it accelerates wound healing and provides excellent biocompatibility and regenerative support in hard-to-heal wounds.

3. Bone Tissue Regeneration

• Polymer–Ceramic Composite Scaffolds
  Degradable polymers (e.g., PCL, PLA/PLGA) combined with inorganic ceramics (e.g., hydroxyapatite, β-TCP) are used to repair bone defects. These scaffolds provide mechanical strength and a porous structure that promotes osteoblast adhesion and differentiation, are then replaced by native bone.

4. Cartilage Repair

• MACI® (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation)
  Autologous chondrocytes are expanded and seeded onto a collagen membrane scaffold to repair full-thickness cartilage defects in the knee. Since FDA approval, numerous clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in patient function and pain.

5. Cardiovascular Applications

• Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds
  Polymer- or composite-based coronary scaffolds that gradually degrade after restoring vessel patency, reducing the long-term risks associated with permanent metal stents.

• Laboratory-Grown Vessels (Humacyte)
  Human vascular cells are cultured on a degradable scaffold to form a decellularized vessel. Early clinical trials in dialysis access and traumatic vascular repair are underway.

6. Nerve Regeneration

• Nerve Conduits
  Degradable polymer or collagen conduits are used to bridge peripheral nerve gaps, guiding axonal regrowth. Clinically applied for small-gap repairs such as digital and ulnar nerve reconstruction.

7. Heart Valves & Urinary System

• Tissue-Engineered Heart Valves (TEHV)
  Biodegradable scaffolds seeded with autologous cells, designed to form living, remodeling valves in situ. Currently in preclinical development.

• Bioengineered Bladders
  Degradable polymer scaffolds combined with autologous urothelial and smooth muscle cells for bladder reconstruction. Case reports show long-term tissue integration and functional recovery.

Summary & Outlook

Clinically, biomaterials and scaffolds are used across skin, bone, cartilage, cardiovascular, nerve, and urinary applications. With advances in smart drug-releasing materials, 3D/4D printing, and extracellular vesicle technologies, future scaffolds will become more functional, personalized, and controllable—paving the way for regeneration of increasingly complex organs.