Basic Aspects of Skin Tissue Engineering: Cells, Biomaterials, Scaffold Fabrication Techniques, and Signaling Factors

Purpose Skin injuries are a worldwide health issue that affects millions of people each year. Tissue engineering has the potential to provide an opportunity to resolve this challenge. For more than 40 decades, researchers have focused on different aspects of skin tissue engineering. The purpose of the present study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the critical factors in skin tissue engineering. Methods Recent studies were investigated to gather relevant studies about the basic aspects of skin tissue engineering. Results In the present review, the nature of the native skin and natural repair of the skin injuries is described. The knowledge of this part is a foundation for producing a tissue or organ that mimics the actual one. Then, the different essential elements in skin tissue engineering are underlined. In this regard, a variety of cells and scaffolds that create the main structure of the engineered constructs are emphasized. On the other hand, the application of critical signaling factors including biochemical, physicochemical, and physical factors in skin tissue engineering are reviewed. Conclusion A comprehensive review of these components clarifies critical points in the regenerative medicine of the skin and guides researchers to adopt optimized approaches to achieve a viable and functional construct.