Template-Mediated Biomineralization for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Template-mediated mineralization describes a research field of materials chemistry that deals with templates influencing product formation of foremost inorganic functional materials and composites. These templates are usually organic compounds - as far as molecules with natural origin are involved, the terminology "biomineralization" or "biomimetic mineralization: is used. The present review gives insight into recent developments in the research area of bone-tissue engineering with focus on chemical templates and cell-based approaches. The review is structured as follows: (1) a brief general overview about the principle of templating and recently used template materials, (2) important analytical methods, (3) examples of template-guided mineralization of various bone-related materials, (4) natural bone mineralization, (5) scaffolds for bone-tissue regeneration and (6) cell-based therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, a literature screening with emphasis on promising potential practical applications was performed. In particular, macromolecular structures and polymer composites with relation to naturally occurring compounds were favored. Priority was given to publications of the last five years. Although the present review does not cover the whole topic to full extent, it should provide information about current trends and the most promising approaches in the research area of bone-tissue engineering based on applications of organic templates/scaffolds as well as cell-based strategies.

Small Molecules Enhance Scaffold-Based Bone Grafts via Purinergic Receptor Signaling in Stem Cells

“…Recent research focuses mainly on synthetic ceramics, organic–inorganic hybrid materials, and polymer-based hydrogels. An ideal bone graft substitute, however, should mimic natural bone, in terms of properties and structure, as closely as possible, in order to promote wound healing and restore mechanical strength [ 140 , 141 ].…”

Lignin-Derived Biomaterials for Drug Release and Tissue Engineering

“…Although a broad variety of scaffolds and release materials were studied in vitro and in vivo regarding their capacity to support tissue regeneration, there are just a very few studies including lignin-derived biomaterials so far. In contrast, numerous other natural biopolymers are studied in detail as well as synthetic polymers, glasses, ceramics, hydroxyapatite-based composites and nanostructured hybrids fabricated via conventional and additive manufacturing techniques [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

Polysaccharide-Based Systems for Targeted Stem Cell Differentiation and Bone Regeneration

“…The ideal scaffold-based graft should mimic or induce the formation of the native bone matrix, which accommodates the bone producing and resorbing cells as well as blood vessels. It further contains various growth factors, cytokines, and osteoinductive and angiogenic signaling molecules [53,54]. The graft must also be easily integrated into the host tissues and have an adequate resorption profile.…”

“…Hybrid materials comprised of both, polymers and ceramics, combine their advantages, resulting in biocompatible, cell supporting systems that have reasonable mechanical properties. They often aim to mimic natural bone, which itself is comprised of water; organic components (mainly collagen type I and other proteins), providing flexibility; and mineral components (such as calcium phosphates), providing toughness and strength [53,[62][63][64][65][66]. Polymeric, ceramic, and hybrid systems are also used in drug and growth factor delivery, since they can be tuned in order to release substances in a controlled way.…”