Bone Tissue Engineering with Nanofibrous Scaffolds

Bone tissue engineering seeks to restore structural and functional integrity to damaged skeletal sites by combining three core elements: cells capable of osteogenic differentiation, bioactive signals that direct cell behaviour, and scaffolds that mimic the native extracellular matrix. Nanofibrous scaffolds, typically fabricated by electrospinning or related techniques, recreate the fibrous architecture and high surface-to-volume ratio of bone’s natural microenvironment. Adjustments to fibre composition, diameter and surface chemistry enable precise tuning of mechanical strength, degradation rate and biomolecular presentation. Incorporation of inorganic minerals such as hydroxyapatite or bioactive ions enhances osteoconductivity, while the controlled release of growth factors or small-molecule therapeutics can impart osteoinductive and angiogenic properties. Advances in scaffold design now address challenges of vascularisation, load-bearing performance and infection control, yielding hybrid materials that promote cell adhesion, proliferation and new tissue formation in vitro and in vivo. The global significance of this approach lies in its potential to reduce reliance on autografts, minimise donor-site morbidity and address complex defects arising from trauma, tumour resection or congenital malformations.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the power of combining conductive nanofibres with mineral phases. One investigation produced carbon nanofibres decorated with hydroxyapatite crystals, yielding a nanocomposite that shifted from hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic behaviour. In vitro assays confirmed biocompatibility and enhanced osteoblast attachment, while in vivo implantation in a femoral defect model resulted in accelerated new bone formation and integration. Another effort harnessed a polycaprolactone–collagen scaffold loaded with berberine, a plant-derived alkaloid. Controlled berberine release over several weeks supported dental pulp stem cell differentiation and significantly improved bone regeneration in critical-sized rat calvarial defects. Both approaches illustrate how strategic incorporation of mineral or pharmacological cues within electrospun matrices can achieve synergistic promotion of osteogenesis and vascular ingrowth.

Bone Tissue Engineering with Nanofibrous Scaffolds publication trend

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

Technical terms

Nanofibrous scaffold: A three-dimensional network of fibres, typically in the 50–500 nm diameter range, designed to emulate the fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix and support cell attachment and growth.

Electrospinning: A fabrication method that uses an electric field to draw charged polymer solutions or melts into ultrafine fibres, yielding nonwoven mats with high porosity and surface area.

Osteoconductivity: The capacity of a material to serve as a template for new bone growth by supporting the migration and activity of osteogenic cells along its surface.

Osteoinductivity: The property of a material to induce undifferentiated cells or progenitor cells to commit to an osteogenic lineage and form bone tissue de novo.

Hydroxyapatite (HA): A calcium phosphate mineral (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) that constitutes the primary inorganic component of bone and is commonly incorporated into scaffolds to enhance mineralisation and mechanical strength.

References

1. Osteoconductive and electroactive carbon nanofibers/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite tailored for bone tissue engineering: in vitro and in vivo studies. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. Berberine-releasing electrospun scaffold induces osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs and accelerates bone repair. Scientific Reports (2021).
3. Biomineralized tetramethylpyrazine-loaded PCL/gelatin nanofibrous membrane promotes vascularization and bone regeneration of rat cranium defects. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2023).
4. Porous Nano-Fiber Structure of Modified Electrospun Chitosan GBR Membranes Improve Osteoblast Calcium Phosphate Deposition in Osteoblast-Fibroblast Co-Cultures. Marine Drugs (2024).
5. Chitosan-Based Biomaterial Scaffolds for the Repair of Infected Bone Defects. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2022).