Scaffolds and coatings for bone regeneration
Helena Filipa Pereira1,2,3, Ibrahim Fatih Cengiz4,5,6, Filipe Samuel Silva7
13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017, Guimarães, Portugal. helena.frs.pereira@gmail.com.
Critical-size bone defects require advanced treatments beyond the body's natural healing. Bone tissue engineering scaffolds aim to improve regeneration, but challenges remain in achieving optimal integration and vascularization for clinical success.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Bone defects larger than critical size (e.g., >6 mm) and non-union fractures are significant healthcare issues.
- Autografts are the current gold standard but have limitations in supply and donor site morbidity.
- Bone tissue engineering offers strategies to overcome graft limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatments for bone defects, focusing on scaffolds for bone regeneration.
- To summarize recent advancements in scaffold coatings for bone tissue engineering.
- To identify challenges hindering the clinical translation of bone regeneration scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bone defect treatments and bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Analysis of scaffold properties, including bioactivity, osteoinductivity, and osteoconductivity.
- Examination of strategies to enhance scaffold performance, such as pore creation, growth factors, and coatings.
Main Results:
- Scaffolds aim to combine bioactivity and osteoinductivity for effective bone regeneration.
- Porous scaffolds enhance osteointegration and vascularization by allowing cell and vessel infiltration.
- Coatings and growth factors can improve the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances like hybrid scaffolds, significant challenges persist for clinical application.
- Future scaffolds need to possess appropriate mechanical properties and anatomical fit.
- Further research is essential to accelerate the clinical translation of bone regeneration technologies.
