Tissue engineering (TE) refers to the application of the principles of engineering to cell culture for the construction of functional anatomical units (tissue/organs).
The ultimate purpose of tissue engineering is to supply various body parts for the repair or replacement of damaged tissues or organs.
TE may be regarded as backbone of reconstructive surgery. It is possible to supply almost all surgical implants (skin, blood vessels, ligaments, heart valves, nerves) through the development of tissue engineering.