Bionic gradient scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering: construction strategies, interface optimization,...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Osteochondral (OC) tissue regeneration is challenging due to its complex gradient properties.
• Bionic gradient scaffolds offer a promising solution by mimicking natural tissue structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multidimensional gradient characteristics of natural OC tissue.
• To discuss the design principles for biomimetic gradient scaffolds.
• To summarize recent advances in gradient scaffold construction and propose new strategies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of natural OC tissue's compositional, structural, performance, and metabolic gradients.
• Review of current construction strategies for gradient scaffolds.
• Proposal of an interface optimization strategy for discrete gradient scaffolds and review of continuous gradient scaffold characterization.

Main Results:

• Natural OC tissue exhibits complex gradients crucial for its function.
• Bionic gradient scaffolds can replicate these gradients to facilitate tissue regeneration.
• New strategies for discrete and continuous gradient scaffold design and characterization are presented.

Conclusions:

• Gradient scaffolds are vital for effective osteochondral tissue engineering.
• Further research into interface optimization and gradient control is needed.
• This review provides insights into future directions for OC tissue regeneration.