Guar Gum-Based Composites for Tissue Engineering
摘要
The interdisciplinary domain of tissue engineering focuses on the development of biomaterials that aid in the repair and regeneration of dysfunctional tissues. It aims to replicate the intricate architecture of natural tissues through the integration of engineering principles, biology, and medicine. Biomaterials serve as structural supports and deliver biological cues vital for cell growth and survival, thereby playing a crucial role in tissue engineering. Natural polymers are extensively studied for fabricating biomaterials, among which Guar gum, a non-ionic polymer derived from the seeds of the leguminous plant Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, is notable. This hydrophilic polymer, characterised by attributes such as excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and superior film-forming capacity, presents significant prospects for tissue engineering applications as a biomaterial. This review chapter investigates the fabrication of composites, chemical modifications, and tissue engineering applications of Guar gum and its derivatives-based composites.