Abstract: The invention relates to porous ceramic composites incorporating biodegradable polymers for use as a bone substitute in the fields of orthopaedics and dentistry or as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications. The porous ceramic composite implant for connective tissue replacement comprises a porous ceramic matrix having a biodegradable polymer provided on internal and external surfaces of the ceramic matrix. The biodegradable polymer allows for the passage and/or delivery of a variety of agents throughout the porous ceramic matrix and improves mechanical properties of the implant in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors are associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings.