Understanding the Advancing Frontier in Tissue Engineering

 The Malaysian tissue engineering market, an integral part of the country's biotechnology sector, is primarily characterized by rapid innovation and growth in the Life-science division of the country. This market's evolution is closely tied to Malaysia's broader strategic goals in healthcare and biotechnology, as outlined in national policies like the National Biotechnology Policy and the Eleventh Malaysia Plan. Malaysia's investment in research and development (R&D) for tissue engineering is a critical factor driving this market.

Key institutions, including the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the University of Malaya, are spearheading groundbreaking research in areas like cartilage repair, skin regeneration, and organ transplantation. These efforts are supported by the government's funding initiatives, desired to foster collaboration and innovation in biomedical research. In addition to this, according to the research report of Astute Analytica, the Malaysia tissue engineering market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.12% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.

Advances in biomaterials and their application in tissue engineering

In tissue engineering, biomaterials are utilized to deliver morphology, micro- and nano-structural characteristics, and surface properties that support cells and can be packed with suitable growth factors. Biomaterials utilized, in the form of matrices or scaffolds for tissue engineering, can be engineered in a way that helps to direct cell growth via certain designs.

Although biomaterials have been utilized in tissue engineering since the early 1990s, how they have been utilized and the applications they are utilized for are constantly growing. Outlined here are recent advances in the usage of biomaterials for tissue engineering. It is essential to note that the field usually has an eye on commercialization, such that the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval for a new biomaterial may be a burden that shapes the development of tissue engineering constructs.

It is essential to note that this barrier can and has in part limited the imagination of the field because it is usually more expeditious to adapt a natural biomaterial or harness one that has an FDA track record rather than designing de novo a material that will need substantial vetting before its clinical usage.

Advances in stem cells and their application in tissue engineering

Although primary cells can be utilized for tissue engineering, the usage of stem cells delivers the benefit of access to cells that can be directed to differentiate to the desired cell type. The usage of autologous cells, in certain, can help to avoid the problems related to allotransplantation. Therefore, stem cells represent a very essential and almost inexhaustible source for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Stem cells can also be utilized for engineering tissues either with or without a biomaterial as a matrix. In addition to engineering tissues for regenerative objectives, stem cells were recently utilized for the engineering of cancer spheroids to develop models for cancer studies.

Advances in culture systems and their application in tissue engineering

Cell culture is an essential and integral part of ex vivo tissue engineering. Because of the rarity of specific cell types in the human body and the potential donor site morbidity related to the retrieval of cells in large numbers, cells are propagated outside the body in an environment that can deliver nutrients and possibly stimulate cells to differentiate, proliferate, and function. This is carried out utilizing dynamic or static culture methods. In recent years, there have been advances in cell culture methods like 4D, 3D, and microfluidic OoC culture systems. Significant progress has been made in these areas, and therefore, they will be highlighted in this section.