Tutorial

The following mini-tutorials present basic backgrounds on bone tissue engineering. In order to understand the basis for tissue engineered therapies, one must first learn about normal bone anatomy and physiology, and, in particular, how damaged bones heal. When bones don't heal or develop properly, bone substitutes or healing agents are required; these bone substitutes are the second-most implanted of all materials. Current substitutes, however, are far from ideal; bone tissue engineering seeks to address the need for better therapies. Tissue engineering therapies in development are typically based on systems of biomaterials, signaling molecules, and engineered cells.

 Anatomy, Physiology & Wound Healing
 The Need for Bone Substitutes
 Bone Tissue Engineering
 Biomaterials
 Signaling Molecules
 Cells