Effect of microporosity on scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Microporosity has a critical role in improving the osteogenesis of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Although the exact mechanism, by which it promotes new bone formation, is not well recognized yet, the related hypothesis can be found in many previous studies. This review presents those possible mechanisms about how the microporosity enhances the osteogenic-related functions of cells in vitro and the osteogenic activity of scaffolds in vivo. In summary, the increased specific surface areas by microporosity can offer more protein adsorption sites and accelerate the release of degradation products, which facilitate the interactions between scaffolds and cells. Meanwhile, the unique surface properties of microporous scaffolds have a considerable effect on the protein adsorption. Moreover, capillary force generated by the microporosity can improve the attachment of bone-related cells on the scaffolds surface, and even make the cells achieve penetration into the micropores smaller than them. This review also pays attention to the relationship between the biological and mechanical properties of microporous scaffolds. Although lots of achievements have been obtained, there is still a lot of work to do, some of which has been proposed in the conclusions and perspectives part.

Bone Tissue Engineering via Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials

“…As such, we anticipate more efforts will be devoted to carbon‐based nanomaterials for BTE and much more exciting carbon‐based BTE scaffolds will be developed. Especially with the innovation in scaffold fabrication using advanced technologies such as 3D printing, scaffolds with controlled porosity, tailored properties, and high bioresorbability would be feasible, which would significantly accelerate the applications of carbon‐based nanomaterials in BTE and related fields. In turn, studies on carbon‐based materials for their applications in BTE will accelerate further development of the carbon‐based nanomaterials family.…”

Assessment of the Mechanical Properties of Orthopedic Screws Coated with Polyurethane Acrylate Containing Hydroxyapatite, Intended to Fix the Fragility Fractures

“…The bone matrix is composed of organic components, such as elastic collagen fibers, as well as inorganic mineral components such as hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate [20]. Collagen provides resistance to fracture due to its elasticity [21,22] and inorganic mineralization ensures bone rigidity [23]. Thus, the combination of the biocompatible, strongly hydrophilic and elastic PUA, with the rigid hydroxyapatite, component belonging to the natural bone, brings together the elements required for an appropriate orthopedic cementation material.…”

Reviewing recently developed technologies to direct cell activity through the control of pore size: From the macro‐ to the nanoscale

“…Therefore, micropores have a key role in scaffold permeability, protein adsorption, and biodegradation rate. Furthermore, micropores induce a capillary force that anchors cells to the surface and drives them to migrate within the 3D structure (Zhang, Fan, Dunne, & Li, ). Stachewicz et al (), compared the pore size produced by electrospinning polylactide‐ co ‐glycolide acid (PLGA) scaffolds in two configurations: aligned and randomly oriented nanofibers.…”