Bone Tissue Engineering Strategies with Natural Biomaterials

Bone tissue engineering increasingly exploits materials derived from nature to recreate the intricate architecture and biochemical cues of native bone. Natural biomaterials such as nacre, shell-derived aragonite, coral, eggshell and pearl powders offer inherent bioactivity, hierarchical organisation and mineral composition closely resembling hydroxyapatite. When combined with biopolymers like collagen, chitosan or silk fibroin, these composites form scaffolds that support cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation without the need for high doses of exogenous growth factors. Fabrication techniques range from three-dimensional printing and electrospinning to injectable cements and hydrogels, enabling the generation of patient-specific implants for load-bearing and non-load-bearing defects. Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, respond favourably to the microtopography and ion release of these materials, exhibiting enhanced osteoinductive and osteoconductive behaviour. The use of sustainable, low-cost feedstocks such as mollusc shells and antler waste not only addresses environmental concerns but also broadens global accessibility to advanced bone graft substitutes.

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Bone Tissue Engineering Strategies with Natural Biomaterials publication trend

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

Technical terms

Osteoinduction: The process by which a material stimulates progenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts and initiate new bone formation.

Osteoconduction: The ability of a scaffold to serve as a template guiding the growth of new bone along its surface or within its pores.

Osteointegration: The direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant.

Nacre: Also known as mother-of-pearl, a biomineral composite of aragonite and organic matrix found in mollusc shells, valued for its mechanical strength and bioactivity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Multipotent progenitor cells capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes, key to regenerative therapies.

References

1. From bone to nacre – development of biomimetic materials for bone implants: a review. Biomaterials Science (2024).
2. Slipper Limpet (Crepidula fornicata) Shells Support In Vitro Osteogenesis of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Marine Drugs (2023).
3. In Vitro Osteogenesis Study of Shell Nacre Cement with Older and Young Donor Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells. Bioengineering (2024).