Application of Bioreactor Concept and Modeling Techniques to Bone Regeneration and Augmentation Treatments

Abstract

During almost two decades of research in the field of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, a variety of biomaterials and techniques have been developed, and a series of results and clinical evidence have been published to support and improve bone regeneration and augmentation processes. The latest techniques include the use of growth factors and platelet-rich plasma preparations in combination with natural or artificial scaffolds, membranes, and stem cells. However, the application of these concepts depends heavily on a favorable microenvironment for the regeneration, which is provided by the use of the bioreactor. The bioreactor is a system in which a microenvironment can be created to promote bone regeneration by providing favorable biomechanical conditions, protecting against infection, and allowing proper nutrition of the regenerating tissue by vascularization. The latest research in this field is very promising as preliminary studies have shown good results concerning bone quality and architecture. In relation to the bioreactor principle, computational modeling represents a very effective tool to predict bone ingrowth. In addition, based on the obtained results, the use of these data to prevent diseases in the human osseous-articular system is expected in the near future.