Successful regeneration of critical-size defects remains
one of
the significant challenges in regenerative engineering. These large-scale
bone defects are difficult to regenerate and are often reconstructed
with matrices that do not provide adequate oxygen levels to stem cells
involved in the regeneration process. Hypoxia-induced necrosis predominantly
occurs in the center of large matrices since the host tissue’s
local vasculature fails to provide sufficient nutrients and oxygen.
Indeed, utilizing oxygen-generating materials can overcome the central
hypoxic region, induce tissue in-growth, and increase the quality
of life for patients with extensive tissue damage. This article reviews
recent advances in oxygen-generating biomaterials for translational
bone regenerative engineering. We discussed different oxygen-releasing
and delivery methods, fabrication methods for oxygen-releasing matrices,
biology, oxygen’s role in bone regeneration, and emerging new
oxygen delivery methods that could potentially be used for bone regenerative
engineering.