Combining biological matrices with growth factor concentrates: toward standardized protocols in regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine offers a sophisticated array of interdependent technologies designed to restore healthy, functional tissue across diverse therapeutic scenarios. In particular, combining biologic matrices with growth factors holds promise for counteracting degenerative processes and restoring tissue function, but translational and standardization challenges limit clinical implementation.

This review examines current strategies combining biologic matrices with growth factor-based therapies, focusing on biological, translational, regulatory, and standardization challenges. The literature was identified through a non-systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using keywords related to regenerative medicine, biomaterials, growth factors, combination products, and standardization, with emphasis on relevant preclinical studies, clinical evidence, and regulatory literature. The review also proposes an algorithm-based treatment framework structured into three operational pillars: (I) Primary Regenerative Target, (II) Bio-functional Configuration, and (III) Phase-Adapted Biological Stimulation.

Pursuing a universal regenerative product is unrealistic because of inherent inter-patient variability. Instead, reproducibility should rely on standardized patient-specific decision pathways that align biological objectives with material engineering, supporting a transition from product-based to algorithm-based standardization.