Which process is critical for the success of implanted scaffolds in tissue engineering?

Revascularization is critical for the success of implanted scaffolds in tissue engineering because it involves the formation of new blood vessels within the scaffold. This process is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the cells within the scaffold, which helps support cell survival, proliferation, and function. When a scaffold is implanted, tissues often lack sufficient vascularization; therefore, revascularization is necessary to integrate the scaffold into the body and to ensure that the cells within it can thrive and facilitate tissue regeneration.

Without adequate blood supply, cells in the scaffold may undergo apoptosis due to lack of nutrients or oxygen, leading to scaffold failure. Effective revascularization promotes healing and functionality of the engineered tissue, making it a fundamental aspect of tissue engineering applications. The integration of a newly formed vascular network ensures that the engineered tissues can mimic native tissue characteristics, which is vital for functional recovery in applications such as wound healing or organ repair.