13. Fibrocartilage Tissue Engineering

Fibrocartilage is a specialized tissue found in the intervertebral discs, the menisci of the knee and temporomandibular joint, and various symphyseal joints throughout the body. Its unique combination of tensile strength, compressive strength, and deformability makes it an ideal material for many structures, however a low intrinsic capacity for repair means that disease or damage can produce chronic debility. The fibrocartilages represent a significant challenge for tissue engineers. Biomaterials must be capable of withstanding significant mechanical stress while guiding formation of a complex microarchitecture. In this chapter, we will review the structure and biology of fibrocartilage and take a look at the biomaterial strategies that have been used. At present no material has satisfied all of the requirements for a successful tissue engineered therapy, however many promising developments have occurred.