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AT PRESENT the therapeutic options to treat tendon and ligament injuries include autografts, allografts, and prosthetic devices. 1–3 However, there are many disadvantages in using biological grafts, as well as concerns over long-term performance of synthetic prostheses. Therefore, further research for alternative repair methods is being pursued relentlessly; this includes development of tissue-engineered substitutes. 4 It is well documented that when tendon injury leaves a large gap, it is usually difficult to bridge. If the tendon is completely missing then a graft or replacement device is usually necessary. Ligaments, on the other hand, have poor healing ability after any injury. There are numerous studies on the biology and biomechanics of healing tendon and ligament. 5–6 However, information about the developmental process of tendon and ligament tissue is lacking. Currently, novel tissue-engineering …