Which of the following is not a requirement for TE scaffolds?

In the context of tissue engineering scaffolds, the focus is on their ability to support cell attachment, growth, and differentiation, as well as to maintain the tissue’s structural integrity over time.

Optimum porosity, an interconnected pore network, and suitable mechanical properties are all critical requirements for scaffolds. Optimum porosity is necessary to allow for nutrient flow and waste removal, as well as to facilitate cell migration and proliferation. An interconnected pore network promotes the formation of new tissue by allowing cells to move through the scaffold and promotes vascularization, which is essential for tissue survival. Suitable mechanical properties ensure that the scaffold can withstand the physiological loads it will encounter in the body, helping to prevent premature failure.

While cost-effectiveness can be an important consideration in the development and manufacturing of scaffolds, it is not a fundamental requirement for the scaffold's functional performance or biological interaction. The primary emphasis in tissue engineering is on how well the scaffold can support tissue regeneration, making properties related to biological and mechanical performance more critical than economic factors. Hence, while cost-effectiveness is valuable from a broader perspective, it does not directly influence the scaffold's ability to fulfill its primary roles in tissue engineering.