In regenerative medicine, how are seeded systems characterized?

Seeded systems in regenerative medicine refer to the use of scaffolds or matrices that are populated with living cells before implantation into a patient. The key characteristic of these systems is that they are designed to promote the growth and integration of new tissue once they are placed in the body. Therefore, the ability of these systems to grow after implantation is crucial to their function.

When seeded systems are implanted, the living cells within them can proliferate and differentiate, contributing to the regeneration of damaged tissues or organs. This characteristic is vital for the success of regenerative therapies, as the ultimate goal is to restore functionality in the affected area by encouraging the development of new, healthy tissue.

In contrast, systems that are characterized as containing no living cells or those created solely for in vitro studies do not fulfill the objectives of regenerative medicine since they do not support tissue growth or integration within the body. Moreover, saying they are never viable would contradict the fundamental purpose of seeded systems, which is to utilize living cells to enhance healing and regeneration.