Recent advances of responsive scaffolds in bone tissue engineering

Abstract

The investigation of bone defect repair has been a significant focus in clinical research. The gradual progress and utilization of different scaffolds for bone repair have been facilitated by advancements in material science and tissue engineering. In recent times, the attainment of precise regulation and targeted drug release has emerged as a crucial concern in bone tissue engineering. As a result, we present a comprehensive review of recent developments in responsive scaffolds pertaining to the field of bone defect repair. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary and forecast of prospects, thereby contributing novel insights to the field of bone defect repair.

Recent Advancements in Bone Tissue Engineering: Integrating Smart Scaffold Technologies and Bio-Responsive Systems for Enhanced Regeneration

“…Table 5 presents a summary of recent studies on electrical-responsive scaffolds. The development of magnetic biomimetic scaffolds involves integrating magnetic nanoparticles or coatings into scaffold materials, which can be manipulated externally by magnetic fields, including alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), which periodically change direction, as well as constant magnetic fields, which remain in one direction (CMFs) [6,167]. Fernandes et al explored the integration of CoFe 2 O 4 (CFO) magnetostrictive particles into a PVDF matrix, which mainly crystallizes in the electroactive β-phase of PVDF under the influence of magnetic stimuli, promoting the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts [168].…”

“…The use of piezoelectric materials in BTE has garnered interest due to their ability to convert mechanical stress into electrical signals, thereby promoting osteogenesis through electrical stimulation of bone cells [ 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 ]. Piezoelectric materials, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers, when fabricated into fibrous scaffolds, demonstrate significant piezoelectric properties [ 6 , 142 ]. Under mechanical stress, these scaffolds generate electrical signals that mimic the natural bioelectrical signals in bone, enhancing the migration and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells.…”

“…This property is critical as it suggests that the material can effectively mimic the natural electrical behavior and piezoelectric response of bone. This modality of treatment is being further integrated with electric-responsive stents and is considered a compelling approach in clinical practice to expedite the bone healing process [ 6 , 165 , 166 ].…”

“…The design leverages the magnetocaloric effect of the MNPs to induce localized heating. When exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) ranging in strength from -1 to 1 Tesla, the induced heating causes the PCL to melt, facilitating the controlled release of embedded proteins [ 6 , 170 ]. This process not only supports bone formation but also allows for the scaffold to solidify again once the magnetic field is deactivated.…”

“…This domain synthesizes principles from biology, materials science, and engineering to innovate beyond the limitations of conventional bone repair methods, such as autografts and allografts. These methods often fail to meet clinical needs due to donor site morbidity, limited availability, potential for disease transmission, and suboptimal integration with host bone tissue—particularly in cases of extensive bone loss or complex defects [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Hence, advancements in scaffold design are prompted by the complexity of bone physiology and the need for scaffolds that can adequately mimic biological functions.…”