Tissue engineering meniscus: cells and matrix.

Tissue engineering, a relatively new field of research, was born as a result of a search for solutions to the limited alternatives currently used to replace structure and function lost because of failure or loss of tissues throughout the body. The field merges advances in cell biology, growth factor therapy, and material design. It encourages creation of tissue-engineered menisci for repair and replacement therapy and offers a means for developing a better understanding of meniscal cell and matrix biology.