Harnessing polysaccharide-mediated biomineralization for advanced bone tissue engineering

Biomineralization is a critical process wherein organisms form mineral composites via organic-inorganic synergistic interactions, which are essential for maintaining and repairing bone tissue homeostasis. Polysaccharides, as a class of natural biological macromolecules, play a crucial role in regulating biomineralization processes. This may be ascribed to their distinctive physical and chemical characteristics, in addition to their biological functions. These molecules effectively alter the crystalline structure and mechanical attributes of minerals like hydroxyapatite by adjusting ion levels, supplying sites for nucleation during mineral formation, and interacting with other biomolecules such as collagen to direct the deposition of minerals. Chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, and sulfated polysaccharides have shown significant biomimetic properties through the creation of biomimetic scaffolds, improvement of cell attachment and differentiation, and facilitation of bone defect healing. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides in biomineralization and discusses their applications in bone tissue engineering from a biomineralization perspective, thereby offering novel insights for clinical treatment.