Oxygen Delivery by Biopolymeric Scaffolds to Enhance Tissue Regeneration

Oxygen plays a vital role in tissue regeneration as it is essential for various cellular processes, such as metabolism, growth, and repair. Consequently, scientists have been exploring ways to enhance cells' access to oxygen through scaffolds for more effective and accurate tissue reconstruction. A critical need remains for a comprehensive investigation into the fabrication of oxygen-generating scaffolds (OGSCs), targeted tissues, and the underlying biological signaling pathways as well as the challenges related to their application, which have not yet been fully explored in the existing literature. According to the results, 3D printing was the most effective fabrication technique for developing OGSCs. Electrospinning and cryogelation were also identified as other valuable techniques. Among the oxygen sources, CaO₂ was the most effective, especially when combined with catalase, which enhances oxygen generation. The production of H₂O₂ during oxygen generation presented a significant challenge due to its cytotoxic effects; however, catalase helped mitigate H₂O₂ levels within the body. OGSC development has mainly focused on applications in the bone, heart, skin, and cartilage. It was concluded that the impact of oxygen on biological activities varies depending on the tissue type. It was also inferred that excessive oxygen generation can potentially lead to hyperoxia and disrupt critical signaling pathways. Notably, oxygen generation in cartilage has shown an adverse biological effect. The primary limitation of OGSCs remains the lack of precise control over the level of oxygen generated. To summarize, OGSCs demonstrated a strong potential in tissue regeneration.