The Integration and Application of Advanced Biomaterial Systems Guided by Biomimetic Mineralization in Bone Regenerative Medicine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/515tmz72Keywords:
Biomimetic Mineralization, Bone Tissue Engineering, Hydroxyapatite, Biomaterials, Scaffold, Bone Regeneration, Bioinspiration, Extracellular MatrixAbstract
The regeneration of critical-sized bone defects remains a significant challenge in orthopedics and craniofacial surgery. While autografts are the clinical gold standard, they are hampered by limitations such as donor site morbidity and limited supply. Allografts and synthetic bone substitutes offer alternatives but often lack the bioactivity and hierarchical structure of native bone. In response, bone tissue engineering (BTE) has emerged as a promising strategy. A pivotal trend within BTE is the shift from passive, inert biomaterials to bioactive, biomimetic systems that can actively orchestrate the healing process. Biomimetic mineralization, the process of mimicking the natural formation of bone mineral (carbonated hydroxyapatite) within an organic matrix, stands at the forefront of this paradigm shift. This review comprehensively explores the integration and application of advanced biomaterial systems engineered through the principles of biomimetic mineralization for bone regeneration. We begin by elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of biomineralization in nature, focusing on the critical role of non-collagenous proteins and collagen template. Subsequently, we delve into the key strategies for biomimetic mineralization, including in situ precipitation, simulated body fluid (SBF) incubation, and enzyme-assisted mineralization. The core of this article is dedicated to the discussion of advanced biomaterial systems that serve as scaffolds for biomimetic mineralization, such as collagen-based matrices, silk fibroin, synthetic polymers (e.g., PCL, PLGA), and decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM). We further explore the functionalization of these systems with bioactive molecules (e.g., BMP-2, RGD peptides) and cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells) to create truly osteoinductive and osteoconductive constructs. The application of these bioinspired systems in various forms—including 3D printed scaffolds, hydrogels, nanocomposites, and injectable cements—is critically reviewed. Finally, we discuss the ongoing challenges, regulatory hurdles, and future perspectives, emphasizing the potential of patient-specific, mechanically robust, and multi-functional "smart" scaffolds driven by biomimetic mineralization to revolutionize bone regenerative medicine.
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