Natural Gum (Xanthan, Gellan, Arabic, Guar, Ghatti Gum, Etc.)-Based Bio-Scaffold and Their Application in Tissue Engineering
摘要
Recent progress in tissue engineering (TE) has highlighted the importance of natural gums, including xanthan, gellan, Arabic, guar and ghatti gum, as promising bio-scaffold materials. This chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of fundamental concepts in TE, emphasising the critical role of natural gum bio-scaffolds in guiding cell growth and tissue regeneration. Each natural gum is examined for its molecular composition, physical properties and interactions with cells, with case examples showcasing successful applications in bone, cartilage, skin and vascular tissue regeneration. Challenges, such as controlled scaffold degradation and immune response, are addressed, and future research directions for optimising natural gum-based bio-scaffolds are discussed. Integrating natural gums into tissue engineering presents an innovative approach for enhanced biocompatibility and tailored mechanical properties, contributing to the advancement of regenerative medicine.