Demineralized Bone Matrix Applications in Tissue Engineering
Summary
Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) constitutes an allogeneic collagenous scaffold in which the mineral phase has been removed to expose native growth factors and extracellular matrix cues. Its intrinsic osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties have made DBM a mainstay in bone repair strategies ranging from spinal fusion to craniofacial reconstruction. In tissue engineering, DBM is often combined with synthetic or natural carriers—hydrogels, pastes or composite scaffolds—to improve handling, spatial retention and mechanical stability at defect sites. Advances in nano- and microfabrication have enabled incorporation of DBM into photoreactive inks and injectable putties, permitting precise 3D printing of patient-specific constructs and minimally invasive delivery. Moreover, emerging sources of DBM—such as marine-derived matrices—promise abundant, cost-effective alternatives to conventional mammalian allografts. Collectively, these developments are fostering a new generation of hybrid biomaterials that harness DBM’s biological activity while tailoring degradation kinetics, porosity and mechanical properties to match diverse anatomical and clinical requirements.
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Demineralized Bone Matrix Applications in Tissue Engineering publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in demineralized bone matrix applications in tissue engineering across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Demineralized bone matrix (DBM): A collagen-rich bone graft from which mineral components have been removed to reveal endogenous growth factors.
Osteoinduction: The capacity of a material to recruit and induce differentiation of progenitor cells into bone-forming osteoblasts.
Osteoconduction: The provision of a scaffold or matrix that supports the attachment, migration and growth of bone cells.
Scaffold: A three-dimensional structure designed to mimic extracellular matrix, guiding tissue formation and vascularisation.
Hydrogel: A water-swollen polymer network used as a carrier or matrix for cells and bioactive factors.
Photocrosslinking: A process by which light activates photosensitive groups to form covalent bonds, stabilising printed structures.
Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂): A solvent state used to extract lipids and sterilise biomaterials without denaturing proteins.
References
- Development of photoreactive demineralized bone matrix 3D printing colloidal inks for bone tissue engineering. Regenerative Biomaterials (2023).
- Preparation of fish decalcified bone matrix and its bone repair effect in rats. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2023).
- Regenerative Efficacy of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Derived Bone Graft Putty in Rabbit Bone Defect Model. Biomedicines (2022).
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