Future Life: Health
Feeding new body parts
Getting these scaffolds right is crucial because organs grow as complex 3-D architectural forms and so scientists need exacting 3-D structures on which
the new cells can take shape.
Without them the new tissue would just grow flat in two dimensions - like skin which scientists can already make.
Also, Chemical Engineers understand the problems involved in making sure these growing organs get a constant supply of nutrients as they grow - rather like watering and feeding a plant.
Without this nutrient supply chain the new cells would simply wither and die.
The aim is that one day this tissue engineering will supply two basic needs.