Injectable matrices and scaffolds for drug delivery in tissue engineering

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2007 May 30;59(4-5):263-73. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.03.013. Epub 2007 Apr 6.

Abstract

Injectable matrices and depots have been the subject of much research in the field of drug delivery. The classical tissue engineering paradigm includes a matrix or scaffold to facilitate tissue growth and provide structural support, cells, and the delivery of bioactive molecules. As both tissue engineering and drug delivery techniques benefit from the use of injectable materials due to the minimal invasiveness of an injection, significant crossover should be observed between injectable materials in both fields. This review aims to outline injectable materials and processing techniques used in both tissue engineering and drug delivery and to describe methods by which current injectable materials in the field of drug delivery can be adapted for use as injectable scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Materials Testing
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins