Biological Matrices and Tissue Reconstruction

Thomas Mustoe

This book is a compilation of papers from the August, 1997 workshop symposium on tissue engineering which emphasizes the importance of matrix materials. The book gives a broad overview of the field. The purpose is to bring together a broad group from engineering basic science and medicine to review the latest advances in the rapidly evolving field of tissue engineering. The book is multiauthored and really a compendium of invited articles focusing on the contributors' individual research topics. The goal is limited (this material will quickly be outdated), but worthwhile. The book is targeted towards those with an interest in the field of tissue engineering and would serve both as a good introduction to the field and a good reference in the current state-of-the-art. This could be of interest to a wide group, but is not really for the current practitioner. The illustrations are only adequate. In many case more diagrams and photos would have been helpful. However this might have delayed publication. The references are current and pertinent given the rapid publication. The book has an adequate appearance for a symposium compendium. The outstanding feature of the book is its extremely current context. It is a valuable reference for anyone wanting a concise, accessible overview of the area of tissue engineering and the importance of matrix in organizing the tissues. It is a valuable reference for someone in the field. It is extremely current (the symposium was held just six months ago). However, it is limited in its long term utility because it will be outdated in a couple of years, and the audience is limited.

From The Critics

Reviewer:Thomas A. Mustoe, MD (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description:This book is a compilation of papers from the August, 1997 workshop symposium on tissue engineering which emphasizes the importance of matrix materials. The book gives a broad overview of the field.
Purpose:The purpose is to bring together a broad group from engineering basic science and medicine to review the latest advances in the rapidly evolving field of tissue engineering. The book is multiauthored and really a compendium of invited articles focusing on the contributors' individual research topics. The goal is limited (this material will quickly be outdated) , but worthwhile.
Audience:The book is targeted towards those with an interest in the field of tissue engineering and would serve both as a good introduction to the field and a good reference in the current state-of-the-art. This could be of interest to a wide group, but is not really for the current practitioner.
Features:The illustrations are only adequate. In many case more diagrams and photos would have been helpful. However this might have delayed publication. The references are current and pertinent given the rapid publication. The book has an adequate appearance for a symposium compendium. The outstanding feature of the book is its extremely current context.
Assessment:It is a valuable reference for anyone wanting a concise, accessible overview of the area of tissue engineering and the importance of matrix in organizing the tissues. It is a valuable reference for someone in the field. It is extremely current (the symposium was held just sixmonths ago) . However, it is limited in its long term utility because it will be outdated in a couple of years, and the audience is limited.