Tissue engineering is the practice of growing human tissue that can be used for medical purposes. The spelling of this term is as follows: /ˈtɪs.ju ˈen.dʒɪ.nɪər.ɪŋ/. Beginning with the first syllable, "tis" is pronounced with a short i sound, followed by "juh" which is a schwa sound. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is spelled "en". The remaining syllables are pronounced with a soft g sound for "gin" and "eer," with the final syllable "ing" pronounced with a long i sound.
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from engineering, biology, and medicine to create functional and viable replacement tissues and organs. It involves the design and development of strategies to repair, regenerate, or replace damaged or diseased tissues in the human body.
At its core, tissue engineering aims to mimic natural tissue functions by using living cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules to create structures that can restore or improve tissue functionality. It involves the creation of a three-dimensional scaffold called a "biomaterials scaffold," which provides a support structure for the cells to grow and interact. These scaffolds can be made from synthetic or natural materials that are biocompatible and biodegradable.
The process of tissue engineering typically begins by obtaining cells from the patient or a donor, either through biopsy or isolation from a cell culture. These cells are then seeded onto the scaffold, where they proliferate and differentiate into the desired tissue type. To enhance cell growth and functionality, bioactive molecules such as growth factors or cytokines may be incorporated into the scaffold.
Tissue engineering has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments by providing regenerative solutions to various health conditions, including tissue loss, organ failure, or degenerative diseases. It holds significant promise for applications in fields such as wound healing, cardiology, orthopedics, and neurology. However, considerable research and development are still required to optimize tissue engineering techniques and overcome the challenges associated with creating complex and fully functional tissues and organs.
The word "tissue engineering" is a compound formed by combining the words "tissue" and "engineering".
The term "tissue" comes from the Latin word "tessera", meaning "small piece", or "tessella", meaning "small cube". It refers to a group or collection of cells that perform a specific function in plants or animals. In English, "tissue" was first used in the 15th century to describe the substance of plants and animals, which gradually evolved to refer to a distinct type of biological material composed of cells.
The word "engineering" is derived from the Latin word "ingenium", meaning "cleverness" or "ingenuity". "Engineer" originally referred to a person who constructed military engines, but the term later expanded to include individuals who built various types of structures or machines.