Aerogel-Based Materials in Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering-A Review with Future Implications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Aerogels possess a highly porous nanostructure with exceptional properties.
• They are promising for biomedical applications like bone and cartilage substitution.
• Evaluating bioactivity involves in vitro and in vivo testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate aerogel applications in bone and cartilage tissue engineering.
• To analyze aerogel materials, microstructure, and porosity for biological activity.
• To explore the influence of scaffold complexity on in vivo performance.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of aerogel building blocks and their biological activities.
• Analysis of formulation and drying techniques (molding, freeze casting, supercritical foaming, freeze drying).
• Evaluation of in vivo performance based on aerogel scaffold complexity.

Main Results:

• Summary of various aerogel materials and their biological activities for hard tissue engineering.
• Discussion of how different fabrication methods influence aerogel properties and applications.
• Exploration of the relationship between aerogel structure complexity and in vivo outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Aerogels offer significant potential for hard tissue engineering applications.
• Fabrication methods and structural complexity are key determinants of aerogel performance.
• Future directions involve addressing challenges and integrating aerogels with novel healing techniques.