A Review of Biomimetic and Biodegradable Magnetic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering and Oncology

Abstract

Bone defects characterized by limited regenerative properties are considered a priority in surgical practice, as they are associated with reduced quality of life and high costs. In bone tissue engineering, different types of scaffolds are used. These implants represent structures with well-established properties that play an important role as delivery vectors or cellular systems for cells, growth factors, bioactive molecules, chemical compounds, and drugs. The scaffold must provide a microenvironment with increased regenerative potential at the damage site. Magnetic nanoparticles are linked to an intrinsic magnetic field, and when they are incorporated into biomimetic scaffold structures, they can sustain osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and angiogenesis. Some studies have shown that combining ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic nanoparticles and external stimuli such as an electromagnetic field or laser light can enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis and even lead to cancer cell death. These therapies are based on in vitro and in vivo studies and could be included in clinical trials for large bone defect regeneration and cancer treatments in the near future. We highlight the scaffolds’ main attributes and focus on natural and synthetic polymeric biomaterials combined with magnetic nanoparticles and their production methods. Then, we underline the structural and morphological aspects of the magnetic scaffolds and their mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties. Great attention is devoted to the magnetic field effects on bone cells, biocompatibility, and osteogenic impact of the polymeric scaffolds reinforced with magnetic nanoparticles. We explain the biological processes activated due to magnetic particles’ presence and underline their possible toxic effects. We present some studies regarding animal tests and potential clinical applications of magnetic polymeric scaffolds.

Mechanical and Computational Fluid Dynamic Models for Magnesium-Based Implants

“…It is well known that such defects cannot spontaneously heal during the patients' lives. On the other hand, for defects smaller than 2.5 cm, a natural healing process with no scars is observed [4,5]. When a bone substitute is present, the bone healing mechanism consists of new bone formation around the implant, stabilizing its position at the bone defect place.…”

Experimental investigation of PCL‐based composite material fabricated using solvent‐cast 3D printing process

“…They are particularly instrumental in mitigating micro‐motion at the implant interface, stabilizing fractures and fostering bone regeneration. Globally, an estimated three million musculoskeletal surgical procedures are conducted annually, a number expected to rise with increasing average life expectancies 1 . A major difficulty in bone tissue engineering is fixing large bone defects that the body cannot heal independently.…”

Effects of using collagen and aloe vera grafted fibroin scaffolds on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in SBF-enriched cell culture medium

“…Furthermore, hydroxyapatite crystals are deposited within a collagen matrix as part of the complicated and dynamic process of bone mineralization [15]. The mechanisms behind bone mineralization, including the functions of different proteins and minerals, have been the subject of increased investigation in recent years [10,16].…”