Polysaccharide-Based Materials for Skeletal Tissue Repair

The ultimate purpose of skeletal tissue engineering is development of convenient engineered construct, which can substitute the damaged areas and improve tissue repair. By considering the structural similarity of polysaccharides into physicochemical features of skeletal tissue extracellular matrix (ECM), numerous attempts have been made to design biomimetic materials as proper reservoirs for encapsulation of cells and bioactive molecules by utilizing these natural polymers. In addition to biological features, the mechanical properties of engineered constructs should be considered for regeneration of load-bearing skeletal tissues. This chapter reviews the most recent progresses in designing polysaccharide-based constructs for skeletal tissue engineering with focus on cell and bioactive molecule delivery. Moreover, the various methods for improving the mechanical properties of engineered constructs and development of printed bioinks for skeletal tissue regeneration are discussed.