Introduction. Tendons are specialised, heterogeneous connective tissues, which represent a significant healthcare challenge after injury. Primary surgical repair is the gold standard modality of care; however, it is highly dependent on the extent of injuries. Tissue engineering represents an alternative solution for good tissue integration and regeneration. In this review, we look at the advanced biomaterial composites employed to improve cellular growth while providing appropriate mechanical properties for tendon and ligament repair. Methodology. Comprehensive literature searches focused on advanced composite biomaterials for tendon and ligament tissue engineering. Studies were categorised depending on the application. Results. In the literature, a range of natural and/or synthetic materials have been combined to produce composite scaffolds tendon and ligament tissue engineering. In vitro and in vivo assessment demonstrate promising cellular integration with sufficient mechanical strength. The biological properties were improved with the addition of growth factors within the composite materials. Most in vivo studies were completed in smallscale animal models. Conclusions. Advanced composite materials represent a promising solution to the challenges associated with tendon and ligament tissue engineering. Nevertheless, these approaches still demonstrate limitations, including the necessity of larger-scale animal models to ease future clinical translation and comprehensive assessment of tissue response after implantation.

This study present amino functionalization of biocompatible polymer polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane poly (carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU) using plasma polymerization process to induce osteogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs). Optimization of plasma polymerization process was carried out keeping cell culture application in mind. Thus, samples were rigorously tested for retention of amino groups under both dry and wet conditions. Physio-chemical characterization was carried out using ninhydrin test, X-ray photon spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and static water contact analysis.Results from physio chemical characterization shows that functionalization of amino group are not stable under wet condition and optimization of plasma process is required for stable bonding of amino groups to POSS-PCU polymer. Optimized samples were later tested in vitro in short and long term culture to study differentiation of ADSCs on amino modified samples. Short term cell culture shows that initial cell attachment was significantly (p<0.001) improved on amine modified samples (NH 2 -POSS-PCU) compared to unmodified POSS-PCU. NH 2 -POSS-PCU samples also facilitates osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs as confirmed by immunological staining of cells for extracellular markers such as collagen Type I, and osteopontin.Quantification of total collagen and ALP activity also shows significant (p<0.001) increase on NH 2 -POSS-PCU samples compared to unmodified POSS-PCU.A pilot study also confirms that these optimized amino modified POSS-PCU samples can further be functionalized using bone inducing peptide such as KRSR using conventional wet chemistry.This further provides an opportunity for bio-functionalization of polymer for various tissue specific applications.