Abstract
<jats:p>Tissue and organ failure resulting from diseases, aging, injuries, or accidents remains a major global health challenge. This problem is further compounded by the shortage of donor organs, immune rejection of transplanted tissues, and the limited functionality of transplanted organs. Although biomaterials have long been used in medical applications, recent research has increasingly emphasized their role in tissue regeneration. In particular, scaffolds have evolved from being mere structural supports to dynamic platforms that actively influence cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Both natural and synthetic biopolymers are extensively utilized in scaffold fabrication due to their favorable chemical and biological characteristics, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Advances in scaffold fabrication techniques, including electrospinning, freeze-drying, and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, have enabled accurate control over porosity, architecture, and mechanical strength, broadening their applicability in biomedical fields. Moreover, polymer-based scaffolds are increasingly explored as drug delivery systems, which are capable of targeting specific sites, controlling drug release rates, and improving therapeutic efficacy through tailored chemical modifications. The integration of drug delivery and tissue engineering highlights the active therapeutic role of scaffolds, positioning them as multifunctional components rather than passive supports. Therefore, this chapter presents a comprehensive overview of various polymeric scaffolds, their fabrication methods, and their potential uses in drug delivery and tissue regeneration. It also discusses current challenges, emerging trends, and future opportunities within this rapidly evolving area of research.</jats:p>