20.109(S08):Essay

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Tissue engineering has been a hot topic for over two decades now. In this time, only a few regenerative products have attained commercial and clinical relevance. In the linked editorial, published in Tissue Engineering in 2005, Professor Alan Russell argues that standardization (e.g., of assays) at the research and development stage of tissue engineering products will quicken the clinical translation of regenerative therapies.

Write an essay describing what you believe are the key limitations affecting the field of tissue engineering, and how some of these limitations might be overcome. If you agree with Prof. Russell that standardization is a powerful tool for moving the field forward, be sure to address the concerns he names, including “An oft-cited criticism of standards is that they are a disincentive to creative problem solving and scientific inquiry.” If you disagree with Prof. Russell, be sure to make specific arguments against standards, and explain why the status quo (or a different solution to the problems the field faces) is preferable. What kinds of achievements will standardization (or your own solution) enable?

You may find it useful to skim some other points of view in the history of this discussion. About ten years ago, a group of scientists met to draft standards for tissue-engineered products, as described in Tissue Engineering Volume 4, No. 1 (1998). Almost ten years later (just a few months ago!), a new strategic plan for advancing the field was described in Tissue Engineering Volume 13, No. 12 (2007), which included but did not exclusively focus on standardization.

Logistics

This assignment is due on Tue/Wed May 6/7 by 11 am. You will NOT have an opportunity to formally resubmit this assignment for an improved grade. However, you will receive feedback on a draft of your essay from both teaching faculty and your lab partner by Thu/Fri May 1/2.