Application of bioresorbable polymers in muscular system

Skeletal muscle tissue is the most abundant tissue in the vertebrate body, characterized by high metabolic requirements and defined structure. Although muscle possesses an innate tissue damage repair capability, extensive lesions overwhelm this process and require alternative treatment for healing. Recent advances in stem cell biology, tissue engineering (TE), and material science have led to the development of skeletal muscle-engineered constructs for repairing muscle injuries and for restoring function. In particular, TE advances have been facilitated by an understanding of the processes underlying the regeneration of muscle tissue, and of the importance of a vascular network formation. In this chapter, we review the most available biomaterials for use in muscle TE, the differences between synthetic and natural materials, and the challenge of developing muscle protein-based materials.