Noteworthy news from medtech start-ups. In this issue: New Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering, with brief profiles of BioCeramic Therapeutics Ltd., Histogen Inc., Humacyte Inc., and Tissue Regenix. (Adapted from "Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering," START-UP, February 2008.)

Stem-cell-related strategies may predominate these days in tissue engineering, but cell therapy companies know that providing the right microenvironment for nurturing tissue growth remains a difficult and essential challenge. Thus, start-ups remain committed to the developent of cellular matrices that provide the appropriate structure, environment, and bioactivity to encourage tissue growth. The four start-ups profiled in this issue represent a cross-section of strategies.

BioCeramic Therapeutics was formed around separate regenerative medicine technologies that it believes have broad potential. First up is a strontium containing glass-based material for use as a bone filler and a coating for metal implants used in various orthopedic and orthodontic procedures. The company is also developing a nanostructured synthetic extracellular matrix that could address the regeneration of hard and soft tissues, with the potential one day to allow almost any tissue to be grown.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering," features profiles of BioCeramic Therapeutics, Histogen, Humacyte and Tissue Regenix. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Braintact, CleveX, Coherex Medical and Lytix Biopharma.