The field of tissue engineering is heterogeneous. The cells involved in tissue engineering can be autologous, allogeneic or xenogeneic. The biomaterials utilized can be either naturally occurring, synthetic or a combination of both. The appli­ cation of the technology can be either for acute or permanent purposes. An attempt to cover the field of tissue engineering in a single volume, with the degree of detail necessary for individuals with different scientific back­ grounds and disciplines, would be a difficult task to accomplish, particularly when this field is just emerging and changing rapidly. Therefore, addressing different technologies within the field of tissue engineering, in a comprehen­ sive manner, is the main mission of this series of volumes. A stellar group of scientists has been brought together to form the editorial board of the series.