Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound: A Laboratory and Clinical Promoter in Tissue Engineering Abstract

Abstract

This chapter will focus on the current and future applications of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in tissue engineering at laboratory and clinical levels. Also, this chapter will explain the molecular basis of LIPUS stimulatory effects on cell expansion, differentiation and matrix production of different tissues. In addition, this chapter will provide information about the differences between LIPUS application in the laboratory settings and in the clinical applications with emphasis on tissue engineering applications. Moreover, this chapter will discuss why variability in outcome might occur when applying LIPUS in laboratory or clinical settings. Also, we will provide some tips on how to prevent potential inconsistency in treatment results with emphasis on the technique sensitivity and how a scientist or a clinician should be aware of this sensitivity of the application technique in order to optimize the utilization of LIPUS in different settings. This chapter will set a few hypotheses and potential new applications of utilizing LIPUS in other tissue engineering applications. The outcome of this chapter will be an understanding of the advantages and limitations of using LIPUS in tissue engineering applications either at the laboratory or in clinical settings.