Biomimetic Multifunctional Scaffolds for Osteochondral Regeneration: Bridging Material Design and Functional...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Engineering

Background:

• Osteochondral defects are increasingly prevalent, necessitating advanced repair strategies.
• The intricate connection between bone and cartilage complicates synchronized regeneration and functional restoration.
• Osteochondral tissue engineering (OCTE) presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anatomical interdependence of osteochondral tissues and design criteria for integrative scaffolds.
• To evaluate current material options, fabrication technologies, and design paradigms for OCTE.
• To propose optimization strategies for enhanced osteochondral integration and regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Systematic evaluation of material options, including freeze-drying, electrospinning, and 3D bioprinting.
• Analysis of integrative design paradigms: monophasic, biphasic, multiphasic, and gradient structures.
• Examination of how scaffold design addresses functional continuity and cartilage regeneration.

Main Results:

• Current OCTE scaffolds must balance mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biological integration.
• Fabrication technologies and design paradigms influence the success of integrative repair.
• Key challenges include achieving functional continuity and promoting cartilage regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Biomimetic design, multifunctional materials, and digital modeling offer promising strategies for osteochondral repair.
• These approaches advance osteochondral integration engineering for scaffold-mediated tissue coupling.
• The review provides new perspectives for developing functional osteochondral units.