Publisher's Synopsis
This publication is the fourth proceedings volume in a series of Symposia on Tissue Engineering for Therapeutic Use, sponsored by the Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS). The previous three volumes have all been published as part of the ICS series. The successful growth of the interdisciplinary field of modern tissue engineering requires a focused integration of biomedical engineering, life science, and clinical medicine. As we enter the new millennium, it is particularly appropriate to discuss the different hurdles tissue engineering has to identify, define and act upon to substantially contribute to clinical medicine. Current trends covered in this volume include physiological roles of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), bone tissue engineering on biodegradable scaffolds, strategies for mesenchymal or skeletal tissues, artificial nerve connection, and xenogeneic extracorporeal liver perfusion. Lessons are learnt from regeneration in animals and steps made towards developing clinical application from these.