Design of gene-activated matrix for the repair of skin and cartilage

Recently, tissue engineering has advanced markedly in the development of the regeneration of injured or diseased tissues and organs. Gene-activated matrix combines gene therapy and tissue engineering to create a promising solution with great potential for the restoration of the structure and function of damaged or dysfunctional tissues. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the developments, applications and future prospects of gene-activated matrix as a substitute for tissue repair and regeneration. Our current research on skin and cartilage regeneration with gene-activated matrix is presented, and the key issues for future studies are also proposed. Combining gene therapy and tissue engineering, gene-activated matrix (GAM) is able to activate cells in or near the scaffolds to express the desired growth factors at effective levels within the local tissue microenvironment and further to restore the structure and function of damaged or dysfunctional tissues like skin, cartilage, bone, vessel, muscle, tendon and so on.