An overview of tissue engineered bone

Numerous important developments in tissue engineering of new bone during th e last 10 years are reviewed. Early efforts to combine cells with biocompat ible materials are described and applications of this technology are presen ted with particular focus on uses in orthopaedics and maxillofacial surgery . Basic principles of tissue engineering focusing on cell biology and mater ials science as used currently in the field are presented. Finally, future challenges are outlined from the perspective of integrating technologies fr om medicine, biology, and engineering in hopes of translating tissue engine ering to clinical applications.