The primary function of a scaffold is to provide a temporary structural framework for the engineered tissue to grow and remodel.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioactive ceramic material that is commonly used for fabricating scaffolds for bone tissue engineering due to its excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity.

Natural polymers, such as collagen and chitosan, are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable for use in scaffold fabrication for tissue engineering applications.

Porosity is a critical scaffold design parameter that influences cell migration and tissue ingrowth. A scaffold with high porosity allows for better nutrient and oxygen transport, waste removal, and cell migration.

Incorporating bioactive molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines, into scaffolds can promote tissue regeneration and repair by stimulating cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation.

Phase separation is a scaffold fabrication technique that involves the use of a sacrificial template to create a porous structure. The template is removed after scaffold formation, leaving behind a porous network.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, offers precise control over scaffold architecture, enabling the fabrication of scaffolds with complex geometries and controlled pore structures.

Electrical conductivity is not typically considered a critical factor when designing scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering, as cartilage tissue does not require electrical stimulation for regeneration.

Surface topography plays a significant role in scaffold design as it influences cell adhesion and migration. Specific surface features, such as roughness and micropatterns, can guide cell attachment and migration, promoting tissue regeneration.

In vitro cytotoxicity assays are commonly used to assess scaffold biocompatibility by evaluating the effects of scaffold materials and extracts on cell viability and proliferation.

Scaffold vascularization aims to promote nutrient and oxygen transport to the engineered tissue, ensuring the survival and functionality of the cells within the scaffold.

Gas foaming is a widely used technique for creating interconnected pores within scaffolds. It involves introducing a gas into a polymer solution or melt, which expands and creates pores upon solidification.

Incorporating growth factors into scaffolds aims to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, guiding the cells to form the desired tissue type.

Electrical conductivity is a critical factor to consider when designing scaffolds for neural tissue engineering, as it facilitates the transmission of electrical signals between neurons, which is essential for neural function.

Decellularized ECM provides a natural microenvironment for cell growth, as it retains the biochemical and structural cues that guide cell behavior and tissue regeneration.