In tissue engineering, what is the significance of scaffold degradation?

Scaffold degradation is a critical component in tissue engineering as it allows for the gradual replacement of the scaffold material with new tissue. When a scaffold is designed for tissue engineering, it serves as a temporary framework to support cell attachment and growth, enabling the cells to organize and form functional tissue. The significance of scaffold degradation lies in its timing and process, which should ideally coincide with the formation of new tissue by the cells seeded on the scaffold.

As the scaffold degrades, it releases products that can be metabolically processed by the body, allowing for integration of the engineered tissue with the surrounding biological environment. This not only facilitates the natural healing process but also ensures that the newly formed tissue maintains functionality without the long-term presence of foreign material, which could potentially lead to complications. Thus, the degradation of the scaffold is essential for successful tissue integration and the overall success of tissue engineering applications.