In a study published today in the journal Biofunctional Materials, researchers from the school of pharmacy, University of Mississippi have reviewed the recent developments on functional scaffolds for the bone tissue engineering. The review detailed the key technologies used for developing the scaffolds and simultaneously listed the kind of functionalization types and their chemical nature across the bone tissue regeneration arena. Functional scaffolds offer better tissue regeneration besides structural support. The bone tissue engineering with 3D printing has advanced the regeneration potential.
Bone tissue engineering is an evolving area of tissue engineering using conventional and state-of-the art 3D printing methods. The present review focuses on introducing different methods used in developing scaffolds from biocompatible and biodegradable materials using several tissue engineering techniques including 3D printing. In addition, surface modification methods were also discussed to ensure the functionality of the scaffolds that facilitate a differentiation response in human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro or in vivo bone mineralization.
"The 3D printing has expanded the possibility of developing new and innovative scaffolds with functional significance for facilitating better oxygen transport for enhanced cell growth, and differentiation for bone regeneration" says Dr. Chakka, corresponding author and co-author of the study who is working as principal scientist at School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi.
The authors hope that the review will help the scientific community in understanding the latest developments on functional scaffolds and inspiring many researchers to explore the area for developing novel solutions for bone tissue engineering.
This paper was published in Biofunctional Materials. Chakka LRJ, Chede LS, Bashetty SR, Maniruzzaman M. Functional scaffolds and methods for bone tissue engineering applications. Biofunct. Mater. 2025(1):0001, https://doi.org/10.55092/bm20250001.
