Bone Regeneration Strategies and Biomaterials

Bone regeneration is underpinned by a triad of osteoconductive scaffolds, osteoinductive signals and, increasingly, cell‐based or gene‐enhanced therapies. Osteoconductive materials such as calcium phosphates, bioactive glasses and polymer–ceramic composites provide a three‐dimensional template for new bone in-growth. Osteoinductive factors, notably recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins, recruit and differentiate progenitor cells to osteoblasts, accelerating matrix deposition. Anti-catabolic agents, particularly bisphosphonates, limit premature resorption and preserve nascent bone. Advancements in additive manufacturing permit patient-specific, porous constructs with graded architecture and controlled release of bioactive molecules. Nanostructured ceramics and biodegradable polymers are engineered for tailored degradation and mechanical competence, while decellularised extracellular matrices harness native biochemical cues. Cell‐based approaches employ mesenchymal stem cells seeded onto scaffolds or genetically modified to overexpress osteogenic factors, offering regenerative potential in critical-sized defects. Emerging strategies integrate multifunctional carriers capable of co-delivering growth factors and anti-resorptives to balance bone formation and remodelling. Clinically, these innovations address osteoporosis, trauma, tumour-related bone loss and spinal fusion, with off-the-shelf biomaterials poised to transform orthopaedic and maxillofacial reconstruction on a global scale.

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Bone Regeneration Strategies and Biomaterials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in bone regeneration strategies and biomaterials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Osteoconduction: The process by which a scaffold supports the attachment, migration and growth of osteogenic cells along its surface.

Osteoinduction: The stimulation of progenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, typically by growth factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional biomaterial framework that provides mechanical support and guides tissue regeneration.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2): A synthetically produced osteoinductive growth factor that drives bone formation.

Bisphosphonate: A class of anti-resorptive drugs that inhibit osteoclast activity, preserving bone mass and structure.

Calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite carrier: A biphasic ceramic composite used as a resorbable scaffold and drug delivery vehicle for osteogenic and anti-resorptive agents.

References

1. Co-delivery of rhBMP-2 and zoledronic acid using calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite carrier as a bioactive bone substitute to enhance and accelerate spinal fusion. Bioactive Materials (2024).
2. Calcium Sulphate/Hydroxyapatite Carrier for Bone Formation in the Femoral Neck of Osteoporotic Rats. Tissue Engineering Part A (2018).
3. Long-Term Response to a Bioactive Biphasic Biomaterial in the Femoral Neck of Osteoporotic Rats. Tissue Engineering Part A (2020).