Which of the following is NOT a requirement in tissue engineering scaffolds?

In tissue engineering, scaffolds play a crucial role in supporting tissue formation and regeneration. Among the various properties that scaffolds must possess, permanence is not a requirement for all types of tissue engineering applications.

Scaffolds are designed to create a temporary extracellular matrix that supports cell attachment, growth, and differentiation while new tissue forms. The idea is that the scaffold will eventually be replaced by natural tissue, making it important for the material to be biodegradable. This allows for the gradual integration of the new tissue and the elimination of the scaffold, which means that it should not be permanent in its structure.

On the other hand, porosity, suitable surface chemistry, and reproducibility are fundamental properties required in tissue engineering scaffolds. Porosity is essential for nutrient and waste exchange, cell migration, and provides a framework for new tissue to grow. Suitable surface chemistry is vital for cell adhesion and function, influencing how cells interact with the scaffold. Lastly, reproducibility ensures that scaffolds can be manufactured consistently, which is critical for the reliability of experimental results and therapeutic applications.

Therefore, permanence does not align with the goals of tissue engineering scaffolds, making it the correct choice as the option that is NOT a requirement.