Chapter 20 - Emerging strategies in bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Bioinspired interventions in the design of regenerative scaffolds have revolutionized the field of bone tissue engineering. Crucial insights into the regulatory paradigm associated with bone remodeling have led to the development of biomimetic scaffolds for assisted regeneration. Current approaches in bone tissue engineering strive to recapitulate the cellular microenvironment in native bone through multifunctional matrices possessing osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, angiogenicity, immunocompatibility, and mechanical integrity. Induction of bone remodeling cascade through scaffolds encapsulating regulatory mediators, including cytokines, growth factors, drugs, and microRNA (ribonucleic acid), are recently gaining translational significance in the management of several degenerative disorders of bone. Development of functional scaffolds that are engineered to modulate the inflammatory responses at bone defect sites is another promising approach in BTE. Facilitation of neovascularization at the osteoid matrix through incorporation of pro-angiogenic factors accelerates long-term bone healing. Advent of smart biomaterials, stem cell technology, and innovations in three-dimensional printing have contributed significantly to the development of bioengineered tissues for orthopedic tissue engineering and hold great potential for successful clinical outcomes. Current advances in BTE envisage a synergistic approach of combining osteoprogenitor cells, scaffolds, growth factors, immune mediators, and angiogenic factors for bone repair and regeneration.