DAMAGED and degenerated tissues resulting from disease, trauma or injury need treatment to facilitate their repair, replacement or regeneration. Traditionally treatment for damaged tissues has focused on transplantation of tissue from one area of individual to another (autograft), or from one individual to another person (a transplant or allograft). Despite the fact that these are life-saving and revolutionary techniques, each is associated with major problems. Harvesting autografts is an expensive, painful procedure constrained by anatomical limitations and can result in infection and haematoma. The use of allografts and transplants is limited due to issues with accessing enough tissues for all patients and the risk of rejection by the host patient's immune system. Risk of infection or disease being contracted by the patient from the donor is also a consideration.
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