STEPS - A Systems Approach to Tissue Engineering Processes and Products- is an Itegrated Project under the FP6 aiming to successfully implement TE, systematically linking together all aspects of this multi-disciplinary process by applying the logistics of systems engineering, providing a totally new infrastructure.
Specifically, the technological components will include cell sourcing and manipulation, novel biomaterial development, bioreactor design and the integration of TE constructs into the living host.
The programme incorporates a determination of the socio-economic issues related to ethics and health economics and engages itself in developments across four TE tissues: SKIN, CARTILAGE, BONE and VISCERAL.
