Embryonic Stem Cells in Tissue Engineering

Traditional approaches to restoring tissue function involve organ donation. Despite attempts to encourage organ donations, there is a shortage of many transplantable human tissues. Currently, more than 256,000 patients in the United States are awaiting organ transplantation, and less than 28,000 people receive transplants annually (HRSA/OPTN, April 2013).Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary science that involves the use of biological sciences and engineering to develop tissues that restore, maintain, or enhance tissue function. However, to realize the dream of creating off-the-shelf organs for transplantation, a renewable source of cells is required. Embryonic stem (ES) cells have potential as a source of cells for tissue engineering applications because they can differentiate into all somatic cells and proliferate indefinitely. However, several challenges must be addressed before ES cells can be used safely and effectively in clinics. This chapter introduces tissue engineering approaches, and the role of ES cells in various tissue engineering applications.