Hydrogels-Based Artificial Tissues
摘要
Each year, millions of patients experience organ or tissue loss due to illness or injury, requiring over 8 million surgeries annually in the U.S., with costs exceeding $400 billion. While organ and tissue transplantation is an effective treatment, a severe donor shortage limits its availability [1]. For instance, although heart transplants could benefit nearly 40,000 patients annually, only 2300 were performed in 1997, according to the American Heart Association. Similarly, over 10,000 patients need skin grafts each year for severe burns or skin cancer in the US, further emphasizing the gap between demand and available resources [2]. The development of artificial organs and tissues presents an innovative approach to addressing the need for transplants.