True or False: A scaffold material must be biocompatible, biodegradable, and facilitate revascularization.

A scaffold material in tissue engineering plays a crucial role in supporting cell attachment, growth, and tissue formation. For a scaffold to function effectively in vivo, it must possess several key properties.

Biocompatibility ensures that the material does not evoke a negative immune response when implanted in the body, allowing for proper integration with surrounding tissues. A biodegradable scaffold is essential as it gradually breaks down over time, allowing the new tissue to replace the scaffold without necessitating a second surgical procedure for removal. This property also ensures that the scaffold will not accumulate in the body, which could lead to complications.

Facilitating revascularization is important because newly formed tissues require a supply of nutrients and oxygen, which are delivered through blood vessels. A scaffold that promotes revascularization supports the survival of the engineered tissue and its functionality.

The assertion that a scaffold must be biocompatible, biodegradable, and facilitate revascularization accurately reflects the ideal characteristics needed for effective and successful tissue engineering.