Fabrication Strategies for the Synthesis of Natural Product-Based Scaffold

A scaffold can be defined as a structure to which cells and growth factors can be added, with a view to replacing diseased tissue. The construction of a scaffold provides mechanical support and is based on premises such as cells, administration of signals and/or growth factors, and type of extracellular matrix required. Biopolymers are natural structures that are excellent candidates for the construction of scaffolds since they provide characteristics of biocompatibility, antigenicity, and different structure. Natural polymers frequently used in the construction include polysaccharides, alginate, chitosan, proteins, collagen, and gelatin. In tissue engineering, the type of material and the technique that be applied in the construction will be considered, considering the type of tissue that will be replaced. Porosity, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and structural performance are also parameters of significant importance in the development of scaffolds. Different techniques can be used to manufacture scaffolds using natural products and they are classified into conventional and rapid prototyping. The choice is related to the objective you want to achieve and the type of tissue for which the scaffold was developed. Much research still needs to be carried out to build a scaffold of entirely natural products that have broader applications. Research needs to be conducted responsibly, safely, and without compromising results as this line is directly linked to the future of biotechnology.