Which of the following is NOT a function provided by scaffolds?

Scaffolds in tissue engineering are designed to provide a supportive framework for cells to grow, proliferate, and differentiate into specific tissue types. One fundamental role of scaffolds is to facilitate cell attachment, allowing cells to anchor themselves for effective growth. They also play a critical part in maintaining cell survival by providing necessary nutrients and a suitable microenvironment. In addition, scaffolds can influence cell differentiation by mimicking the extracellular matrix and providing signals that guide stem cells or progenitor cells to develop into specific tissue types.

Cohesion, while important in terms of the structural integrity of the scaffold itself or in how the scaffold interacts with surrounding tissues, is not a primary function attributed to scaffolds in the context of tissue generation and cellular activity. Scaffolds are more so focused on enabling attachment, survival, and differentiation rather than fostering cohesion as a core biological function. Thus, the primary purpose of scaffolds aligns more closely with attachment, survival, and differentiation, making cohesion the option that does not fit within the functional roles typically associated with scaffolds in tissue engineering.