What is one disadvantage of using xenografts in tissue engineering?

Using xenografts in tissue engineering has notable disadvantages, particularly in terms of immune incompatibility. Xenografts involve the transplantation of tissue from one species to another, which inherently presents challenges due to the significant differences in the immune system between species. This often leads to a strong immune response against the foreign tissue, increasing the risk of rejection and complications in transplantation outcomes.

In addition, some tissue types may be impractical for xenografting, either due to the complexity of their structure or because the physiological functions they perform in the donor species do not translate well into the recipient species. This can restrict the effectiveness of xenografts in certain applications where specialized tissue function is required.

Therefore, the correct answer acknowledges both the challenges posed by immune incompatibility and the impracticality for certain types of tissues, highlighting key considerations when using xenografts in clinical settings.