Application and Progress of Loading Strategies in Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Critical-sized craniofacial bone defects pose significant reconstructive challenges.
• Autologous bone grafting has limitations, driving the need for advanced bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
• Bioactive scaffolds are preferred over inert materials for their immunomodulatory and osteoinductive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for functionalizing scaffolds with bioactive components for bone regeneration.
• To explore mechanisms including macrophage polarization, bone metabolism regulation, and osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
• To highlight innovative delivery systems and emerging therapies for critical-sized bone defects.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on scaffold functionalization and bioactive component loading.
• Analysis of mechanisms involved in bone regeneration mediated by scaffolds.
• Focus on advanced delivery systems like 3D-printed scaffolds and nanocomposites.

Main Results:

• Functionalized scaffolds promote bone regeneration through macrophage polarization (M1-M2), bone metabolism regulation, and coupled osteogenesis/angiogenesis.
• Innovative delivery systems enable spatiotemporal control of bioactive cargo release, addressing infection, vascularization, and stability.
• Emerging technologies like stem cell and exosome therapies show potential for personalized bone regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Next-generation bone tissue engineering scaffolds require integration of immunology, materials science, and clinical needs.
• Advanced scaffolds with controlled bioactive cargo release are crucial for overcoming critical-sized bone defects.
• Personalized therapies hold promise for improved craniofacial bone defect reconstruction.