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Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines materials, methods, and biological molecules to engineer newly formed tissues to replace or restore functional organs. Biomaterials-based scaffolds play a crucial role in developing new tissue by interacting with human cells. Tissue engineering scaffolds with ideal characteristics, namely, nontoxicity, biodegradability, and appropriate mechanical and surface properties, are vital for tissue regeneration applications. However, current biocomposite scaffolds face significant limitations, particularly in achieving structural durability, controlled degradation rates, and effective cellular integration. These qualities are essential for maintaining long-term functionality in vivo. Although commonly utilized biomaterials can provide physical and chemical properties needed for tissue regeneration, inadequate biomimetic properties, as well as insufficient interactions of cells-scaffolds interaction, still need to be improved for the application of tissue engineering in vivo. It is impossible to achieve some essential features using a single material, so combining two or more materials may accomplish the requirements. In order to achieve a proper scaffold design, a suitable fabrication technique and combination of biomaterials with controlled micro or nanostructures are needed to achieve the proper biological responses. This review emphasizes advancements in scaffold durability, biocompatibility, and cellular responsiveness. It focuses on natural and synthetic polymer combinations and innovative fabrication techniques. Developing stimulus-responsive 3D scaffolds is critical, as these scaffolds enhance cell adhesion and promote functional tissue formation while maintaining structural integrity over time. This review also highlights the natural polymers, smart materials, and recent advanced techniques currently used to create emerging scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To compare the ultrasonographic findings of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with that of cytopathology to asses the diagnostic validity of transabdominal ultrasonography (USG). Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study in Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of radiology and imaging of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, during July, Dhaka, during July 2009–March 2011 to evaluate the transabdominal USG in the detection of HCC and its validity by determining sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values. For this purpose, a total of fifty patients were enrolled in the study. Cytopathology was done in all these patients. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses of the results were obtained using window-based computer software devised with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-13) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The analysis of the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy was done using online OpenEpi, Version 3, an open-source calculator. Results: The current study found that the mean age of patients was 49.14 ± 13.79 years, ranging from 20 to 79 years. The USG detected HCC in 31 (62%) cases, of which 27 (87.1%) were cytopathologically proven. USG diagnosed 19 (38%) cases as lesions other than HCC, of which 4 (21.1%) cases were diagnosed as HCC cytopathologically (false negative). The rest of the 15 (78.9%) cases were diagnosed as other lesions including metastasis, by both USG and cytopathologically (true negative). The validity of USG was studied by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV, which were 87.1%, 78.95%, 87.1%, 78.95%, and 84%, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, the USG findings and the validity tests were found almost identical as observed by other investigators compared with cytopathological findings. Hence, it can be concluded that the USG is a useful diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of HCC.