Regenerative medicine is a broad term referring to a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field, involving a convergence of the life, physical and engineering sciences, that seeks to develop functional cells, tissues or organ substitutes with the aim of repairing, replacing or enhancing biological functions that have been lost due to disease, injury, aging or congenital abnormalities.

The range of disciplines typically involved includes the following and science at the nanoscale and nanotechnological are now being applied at each of these stages:

• Cell sources. Cells may be derived from a number of sources such as the patient themselves (autologous), another person (allogeneic), or animals (xenogeneic). They may include differentiated cells, stem and progenitor cells, or genetically engineered cells. Methods for proliferating and differenting cells, and for altering their immunological characteristics are also important.
• Novel biomaterial/scaffold development. Including the design of biomaterials that can be used to direct or physically, mechanically or chemically support the growth, differentiation, and organization of cells in the process of forming functional tissue.
• Selection of biomolecules. Including growth, differentiation and angiogenic factors.
• Engineering methods and design. These include methods for cell expansion, three-dimensional tissue growth and vascularisation, cell encapsulation, bioreactor technology, preservation, storage and transport of cells and engineered tissues. Also important are studies concerning the biomechanical and other functional requirements of engineered tissues and of mechanical signals that regulate function.
• Functional assessment of regenerated/engineered tissues. This includes imaging, and in vitro and in vivo assessment of function, efficacy and safety

Research and development in regenerative medicine is addressing many different clinical needs including:

• Tissue engineered skin for serious burns and for chronic ulcers
• The repair of bone
• Cartilage replacement for worn or damaged cartilage
• Engineered blood vessels for vascular surgery
• Engineered nerve tissues
• Implantable "smart" scaffolds or tissue conduits that can recruit stem or progenotor cells within the body
• Cardiac muscle repair
• The design of engineered organs or parts thereof to replaced damaged organs or lost function