Design of macroporous biodegradable polymer scaffolds for cell transplantation

Cell transplantation using porous polymer scaffolds is now being explored as therapeutic approach to replace malfunctioning tissues and organs. This strategy which relies upon the creation of completely natural tissue from the host is the most promising alternative to whole organ transplantation. Biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic polymers play an important role in the design of temporary substrates to which cells can adhere, grow and retain their differentiated function. This review gives a survey of novel manufacturing methods to develop reproducibly polymer scaffolds with high pore volume for cell seeding and high surface area for cell attachment. Contribution of these scaffolds to cell transplantation for the engineering of new tissues is largely illustrated.