Artificial Tissues: History and Significance
摘要
Artificial tissues, also known as engineered or synthetic tissues, are biological constructs designed to replicate the structure, function, and cellular environment of native human tissues. These constructs are typically fabricated using a combination of biomaterials, living cells, and biochemical cues through a process known as tissue engineering. The aim is to mimic the mechanical, structural, and physiological characteristics of natural tissues, thereby enabling their integration or functional replacement in biological systems [1, 2]. Artificial tissues may be entirely synthetic or semi-synthetic, often involving biodegradable scaffolds seeded with autologous, allogenic, or stem cells. Over time, these constructs can regenerate or support native tissue while gradually degrading or integrating into the body’s natural architecture [3, 4]. Tissue engineering has evolved into a multidisciplinary field, combining principles from materials science, cell biology, biomedical engineering, and regenerative medicine. This convergence has enabled the development of increasingly complex tissue analogs that can serve as viable alternatives to damaged or diseased tissues. Importantly, artificial tissues are not limited to structural roles; they are often engineered to perform physiological and biochemical functions, such as secretion of hormones, contractility, or signal transduction, depending on the target tissue type [5–7].