An assessment of biopolymer- and synthetic polymer-based scaffolds for bone and vascular tissue engineering

The promise of tissue engineering is the combination of a scaffold with cells to initiate the regeneration of tissues or organs. Engineering of scaffolds is critical for success and tailoring of polymer properties is essential for their good performance. Many different materials of natural and synthetic origins have been investigated, but the challenge is to find those that have the right mix of mechanical performance, biodegradability and biocompatibility for biological applications. This article reviews key polymeric properties for bone and vascular scaffold eligibility with focus on biopolymers, synthetic polymers and their blends. The limitations of these polymeric systems and ways and means to improve scaffold performance specifically for bone and vascular tissue engineering are discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry This review assesses major biopolymer and synthetic polymer‐based scaffold requirements for bone and vascular tissue engineering, namely mechanical performance, biodegradability and biocompatibility.