Elastomer Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine

In 2007 the first in vitro bladder made with bio scaffolds was placed successfully in an animal model. This required a tremendous amount of research in genetics, bio informatics and stem cell progeny. What was less known by researchers then, and to a large extent now, is the importance of the role of the elastomeric bio scaffolds that are needed to form appropriate macro morphological structures for organs. I, and other polymer scientists are addressing rheological issues of bio scaffolds in much the same way that those before  us did for traditional rubber products. That is, looking at stresses such as blood flow, vibration and strain, and attempting to quantify these with physical properties such as modulus and tan delta. To be successful in providing ideal solution in bio scaffolds, a collaboration of biologist and polymer physicist will be required. This paper reviews the state of the art in polymer scaffolding, and presents suggestion for how to make these laboratory successes into working patient organs.