Leveraging the Recent Advancements in GelMA Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: An Assessment of Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The field of bone tissue engineering has seen significant advancements in recent years. Each year, over two million bone transplants are performed globally, and conventional treatments, such as bone grafts and metallic implants, have their limitations. Tissue engineering offers a new level of treatment, allowing for the creation of living tissue within a biomaterial framework. Recent advances in biomaterials have provided innovative approaches to rebuilding bone tissue function after damage. Among them, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel is emerging as a promising biomaterial for supporting cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, and GelMA has exhibited exceptional physicochemical and biological properties, making it a viable option for clinical translation. Various methods and classes of additives have been used in the application of GelMA for bone regeneration, with the incorporation of nanofillers or other polymers enhancing its resilience and functional performance. Despite promising results, the fabrication of complex structures that mimic the bone architecture and the provision of balanced physical properties for both cell and vasculature growth and proper stiffness for load bearing remain as challenges. In terms of utilizing osteogenic additives, the priority should be on versatile components that promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis while reinforcing the structure for bone tissue engineering applications. This review focuses on recent efforts and advantages of GelMA-based composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering, covering the literature from the last five years.

The “Inner–Outer” Molecules-Loaded Fiber-Hydrogel Scaffolds Coordinate Specific Immunity and Neural Differentiation for Repairing SCI

“…GelMA retains the essential bioactive sequences in gelatin, which promotes biological interactions between cells and scaffolds and tissue remodeling . As shown in Figure E,F, the P/G scaffold was more transparent than the P scaffold and had better adhesion to smooth glass.…”

Management of peripheral nerve injuries using natural based biomaterials and their derivatives: Advances and prospective

“…107 Researchers are exploring ways to combine GelMA with other biomaterials, creating composite structures that harness the strengths of each component. 108 This approach aims to address limitations and further optimize the regenerative potential of GelMA-based constructs. 108 Its unique combination of tunable properties, biofunctionalization capabilities, and support for axonal outgrowth positions it at the forefront of biomaterials research in the realm of regenerative medicine.…”

Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles: Emerging Nanosystems for Enhanced Tissue Engineering

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