In light of the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as other viral outbreaks in the 21st century, there is a dire need for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat infectious diseases worldwide. As a convergence science, tissue engineering has traditionally focused on the application of engineering principles to biological systems, collaboration across disciplines, and rapid translation of technologies from the benchtop to the bedside. Given these strengths, tissue engineers are particularly well suited to apply their skill set to the current crisis and viral outbreaks in general. This work introduces the basics of virology and epidemiology for tissue engineers, and highlights important developments in the field of tissue engineering relevant to the current pandemic, including in vitro model systems, vaccine technology, and small-molecule drug delivery. COVID-19 serves as a call to arms for scientists across all disciplines, and tissue engineers are well trained to be leaders and contributors in this time of need.

中文翻译：

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组织工程在COVID-19和未来病毒爆发中的作用。

鉴于当前新颖的冠状病毒（COVID-19）大流行以及21世纪其他病毒的暴发，迫切需要新的诊断和治疗策略来对抗全球的传染病。作为融合科学，组织工程传统上一直将工程原理应用于生物系统，跨学科协作以及技术从台式机到床头的快速转换。有了这些优势，组织工程师特别适合将他们的技能应用到当前的危机和一般的病毒爆发中。这项工作为组织工程师介绍了病毒学和流行病学的基础知识，并重点介绍了与当前大流行相关的组织工程领域的重要进展，包括体外模型系统，疫苗技术和小分子药物递送。COVID-19呼吁所有学科的科学家使用武器，组织工程师经过良好的培训，可以在需要时成为领导者和贡献者。