Porous silicon and related composites as functional tissue engineering scaffolds

Abstract: This chapter describes the fundamental properties of porous silicon (PSi) that make it an appealing choice for use as a therapeutic scaffold in the field of tissue engineering. We begin with a discussion of the unique ability of the mesoporous form of this material to be resorbed in vivo, followed by the tunability of its degradation kinetics through surface chemistry. Practical manipulation of the PSi is made possible by formulation with appropriate polymers, and representative in vitro/in vivo studies of these composites in the areas of orthopedics are subsequently presented. Finally, we conclude with a presentation of data suggesting the possible future uses of PSi as a ‘smart’ biomaterial in the field of orthopedic applications and opportunities in ophthalmological tissue engineering.