This detailed book brings together a collection of methodologies, from the most basic to the more complex, that provides researchers with a platform they can use to embark on a cartilage research career. To aid in the search for novel therapies for cartilage regeneration, this volume addresses 3D cartilage models, challenges associated with RNA and protein extraction, imaging, gene transfer, as well as stable differentiation and variations in cell phenotype from different tissue origins. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Cartilage Tissue Engineering serves as an ideal guide for researchers working to advance the vital study of cartilage biology and repair.

Cartilage injuries in children and adolescents are increasingly observed, with roughly 20% of knee injuries in adolescents requiring surgery. In the US alone, costs of osteoarthritis (OA) are in excess of $65 billion per year (both medical costs and lost wages). Comorbidities are common with OA and are also costly to manage. Articular cartilage's low friction and high capacity to bear load makes it critical in the movement of one bone against another, and its lack of a sustained natural healing response has necessitated a plethora of therapies. Tissue engineering is an emerging technology at the threshold of translation to clinical use. Replacement cartilage can be constructed in the laboratory to recapitulate the functional requirements of native tissues. This book outlines the biomechanical and biochemical characteristics of articular cartilage in both normal and pathological states, through development and aging. It also provides a historical perspective of past and current cartilage treatments and previous tissue engineering efforts. Methods and standards for evaluating the function of engineered tissues are discussed, and current cartilage products are presented with an analysis on the United States Food and Drug Administration regulatory pathways that products must follow to market. This book was written to serve as a reference for researchers seeking to learn about articular cartilage, for undergraduate and graduate level courses, and as a compendium of articular cartilage tissue engineering design criteria. Table of Contents: Hyaline Articular Cartilage / Cartilage Aging and Pathology / In Vitro / Bioreactors / Future Directions

Osteochondral defects can be challenging to treat, first, because the damaged articular cartilage has a poor intrinsic reparative capability, and second, because these defects cause chronic pain and serious disability. That is why cartilage repair remains one of the most challenging issues of musculoskeletal medicine. Arthroscopic and open techniques that have been developed over the last two decades intend to promote the success of complete repair of the articular cartilage defects; nevertheless, these therapies cannot always offer 100% success. Nowadays, cartilage tissue engineering is an emerging technique for the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Taking into consideration these perspectives, this book aims to present a summary of cartilage tissue engineering, including development, recent progress, and major steps taken toward the regeneration of functional cartilage tissue. Special emphasis is placed on the role of stimulating factors, including growth factors, gene therapies, as well as scaffolds, including natural, synthetic, and nanostructured.

This book outlines the latest research on the design and fabrication of the biomaterials used in mimicked scaffolds for tissue engineering for maxillofacial and orthopedic applications. The book is written based on integration and optimized concepts of 3 main parts 1) principle of tissue engineering; 2) mimicking of structure and function of scaffolds which is similar to extracellular matrix (ECM); and 3) mimicked scaffolds for tissue engineering in maxillofacial and orthopedic surgery. The content of this book which is interdisciplinary in nature caters to medical product designers, materials scientists and engineers, biologists, and surgeons who have interest in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Cartilage, Tissue and Knee Joint Biomechanics: Fundamentals, Characterization and Modelling is a cutting-edge multidisciplinary book specifically focused on modeling, characterization and related clinical aspects. The book takes a comprehensive approach towards mechanics, fundamentals, morphology and properties of Cartilage Tissue and Knee Joints. Leading researchers from health science, medical technologists, engineers, academics, government, and private research institutions across the globe have contributed to this book. This book is a very valuable resource for graduates and postgraduates, engineers and research scholars. The content also includes comprehensive real-world applications. As a reference for the total knee arthroplasty, this book focuses deeply on existing related theories (including: histology, design, manufacturing and clinical aspects) to assist readers in solving fundamental and applied problems in biomechanical and biomaterials characterization, modeling and simulation of human cartilages and cells. For biomedical engineers dealing with implants and biomaterials for knee joint injuries, this book will guide you in learning the knee anatomy, range of motion, surgical procedures, physiological loading and boundary conditions, biomechanics of connective soft tissues, type of injuries, and more. - Provides a comprehensive resource on the knee joint and its connective soft tissues; content included spans biomechanics, biomaterials, biology, anatomy, imaging and surgical procedure - Covers ISO and FDA based regulatory control and compliance in the manufacturing process - Includes discussions on the relationship between knee anatomical parameters and knee biomechanics

"Gene Therapy for Cartilage and Bone Tissue Engineering" outlines the tissue engineering and possible applications of gene therapy in the field of biomedical engineering as well as basic principles of gene therapy, vectors and gene delivery, specifically for cartilage and bone engineering. It is intended for tissue engineers, cell therapists, regenerative medicine scientists and engineers, gene therapist and virologists. Dr. Yu-Chen Hu is a Distinguished Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University and has received the Outstanding Research Award (National Science Council), Asia Research Award (Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan) and Professor Tsai-Teh Lai Award (Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers). He is also a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and a member of the Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS)-Asia Pacific Council.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a site of intense morbidity for millions of people, especially young, pre-menopausal women. Central to TMJ afflictions are the cartilaginous tissues of the TMJ, especially those of the disc and condylar cartilage, which play crucial roles in normal function of this unusual joint. Damage or disease to these tissues significantly impacts a patient's quality of life by making common activities such as talking and eating difficult and painful. Unfortunately, these tissues have limited ability to heal, necessitating the development of treatments for repair or replacement. The burgeoning field of tissue engineering holds promise that replacement tissues can be constructed in the laboratory to recapitulate the functional requirements of native tissues. This book outlines the biomechanical, biochemical, and anatomical characteristics of the disc and condylar cartilage, and also provides a historical perspective of past and current TMJ treatments and previous tissue engineering efforts. This book was written to serve as a reference for researchers seeking to learn about the TMJ, for undergraduate and graduate level courses, and as a compendium of TMJ tissue engineering design criteria. Table of Contents: The Temporomandibular Joint / Fibrocartilage of the TMJ Disc / Cartilage of the Mandibular Condyle / Tissue Engineering of the Disc / Tissue Engineering of the Mandibular Condyle / Current Perspectives

Tissue engineering takes advantages of the combined use of cultured living cells and three-dimensional scaffolds to reconstruct adult tissues that are absent or malfunctioning. This book brings together scientists and clinicians working on a variety of approaches for regenerating of damaged or lost cartilage and bone to assess the progress of this dynamic field. In its early days, tissue engineering was driven by material scientists who designed novel bio-resorbable scaffolds on which to seed cells and grow tissues. This ground-breaking work generated high expectations, but there have been significant stumbling blocks holding back the widespread use of these techniques in the clinic. These challenges, and potential ways of overcoming them, are given thorough coverage in the discussions that follow each chapter. The key questions addressed in this book include the following. How good must cartilage repair be for it to be worthwhile? What is the best source of cells for tissue engineering of both bone and cartilage? Which are the most effective cell scaffolds? What are the best preclinical models for these technologies? And when it comes to clinical trials, what sort of outcome measures should be used? With contributions from some of the leading experts in this field, this timely publication will prove essential reading for anyone with an interest in the field of tissue engineering.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Tissue Engineering provides a unique overview of the field of non-invasive MRI assessment of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Establish a dialogue between the tissue-engineering scientists and imaging experts and serves as a guide for tissue engineers and biomaterial developers alike Provides comprehensive details of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques used to assess a variety of engineered and regenerating tissues and organs Covers cell-based therapies, engineered cartilage, bone, meniscus, tendon, ligaments, cardiovascular, liver and bladder tissue engineering and regeneration assessed by MRI Includes a chapter on oxygen imaging method that predominantly is used for assessing hypoxia in solid tumors for improving radiation therapy but has the ability to provide information on design strategies and cellular viability in tissue engineering regenerative medicine