Fabrication of magnesium-based metallic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Repairing and regenerating defects of large bones caused by disease or trauma is a significant clinical challenge. Extensive research has been done on bone tissue regeneration incorporating biodegradable scaffolds mainly polymeric scaffolds which are used heavily due to their ease in manufacturing, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The use of biodegradable polymers for scaffolding has certain drawbacks for bone tissue regeneration such as mismatch in mechanical properties and issues relating to bone infection and osseointegration of the bioresorbable scaffold. Metallic foams have been explored as an alternative to polymers as a scaffolding material. Metallic porous structures have advantages such as high strength and ductility relative to polymeric scaffolds that could be favorable for hard tissue regeneration such as bone. In this manuscript, we review metallic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering including potential metals for tissue engineering scaffold applications. Current techniques of metallic scaffold production including production of magnesium scaffold are discussed.