Scaffolds are essential components in tissue engineering, providing structural support for cell attachment and tissue development. This review discusses the functions and major scaffolding approaches in tissue engineering, with a focus on intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue engineering. Scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissues, offering structural, biological, and mechanical support. Key considerations include architecture, cyto- and tissue compatibility, bioactivity, and mechanical properties. Four major scaffolding approaches are reviewed: pre-made porous scaffolds, decellularized ECM, cell sheets with self-secreted ECM, and cell-encapsulated self-assembled hydrogels. Pre-made porous scaffolds are widely used, offering diverse biomaterial choices and precise architectural control. However, cell seeding can be inefficient due to limited cell penetration. Decellularized ECM from allogenic or xenogenic tissues closely mimics native ECM, providing excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, incomplete decellularization may lead to immune reactions. Cell sheets, formed by cell secretion of ECM, are suitable for epithelial and endothelial tissues but are limited in thickness. Cell-encapsulated hydrogels allow for injectable applications, enabling cell delivery and solidification in situ, but have limited mechanical properties. In IVD tissue engineering, scaffolding approaches vary depending on the stage of degeneration. Early stages may benefit from injectable hydrogels to stimulate cell growth, while later stages require replacement of ECM components. Pre-made scaffolds, decellularized ECM, and cell-encapsulated hydrogels are used for nucleus and annulus replacement. Challenges include maintaining mechanical integrity, ensuring cell survival, and preventing leakage. Future directions include improving scaffold mechanical properties, enhancing cell viability, and developing better graft preservation technologies. Tissue-specific considerations, such as the complex structure and multiple tissue interfaces of the IVD, require multidisciplinary approaches to achieve successful tissue engineering outcomes.Scaffolds are essential components in tissue engineering, providing structural support for cell attachment and tissue development. This review discusses the functions and major scaffolding approaches in tissue engineering, with a focus on intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue engineering. Scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissues, offering structural, biological, and mechanical support. Key considerations include architecture, cyto- and tissue compatibility, bioactivity, and mechanical properties. Four major scaffolding approaches are reviewed: pre-made porous scaffolds, decellularized ECM, cell sheets with self-secreted ECM, and cell-encapsulated self-assembled hydrogels. Pre-made porous scaffolds are widely used, offering diverse biomaterial choices and precise architectural control. However, cell seeding can be inefficient due to limited cell penetration. Decellularized ECM from allogenic or xenogenic tissues closely mimics native ECM, providing excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, incomplete decellularization may lead to immune reactions. Cell sheets, formed by cell secretion of ECM, are suitable for epithelial and endothelial tissues but are limited in thickness. Cell-encapsulated hydrogels allow for injectable applications, enabling cell delivery and solidification in situ, but have limited mechanical properties. In IVD tissue engineering, scaffolding approaches vary depending on the stage of degeneration. Early stages may benefit from injectable hydrogels to stimulate cell growth, while later stages require replacement of ECM components. Pre-made scaffolds, decellularized ECM, and cell-encapsulated hydrogels are used for nucleus and annulus replacement. Challenges include maintaining mechanical integrity, ensuring cell survival, and preventing leakage. Future directions include improving scaffold mechanical properties, enhancing cell viability, and developing better graft preservation technologies. Tissue-specific considerations, such as the complex structure and multiple tissue interfaces of the IVD, require multidisciplinary approaches to achieve successful tissue engineering outcomes.