Oxygen-Releasing Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications

Oxygen-releasing biomaterials have emerged as a pivotal strategy to overcome the limitations posed by inadequate oxygen supply in engineered tissues. By incorporating chemical oxygen carriers or catalytic generators into polymeric matrices, these systems can deliver molecular oxygen in a controlled manner to meet cellular metabolic demands during the critical avascular phase post-implantation. Such materials range from composite scaffolds embedding peroxide nanoparticles to micro-reservoirs and self-oxygenating hydrogels. In addition to supplying oxygen, many designs incorporate antioxidant functionalities to mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated as by-products. By tuning release kinetics through material composition, microstructure and device geometry, researchers aim to synchronise oxygen delivery with tissue regeneration stages, promote angiogenesis and support cell survival in constructs of clinically relevant dimensions. Applications span bone, cartilage, muscle and cardiac tissue engineering, where sustained oxygenation accelerates vascular ingrowth, enhances osteogenic or myogenic differentiation and ultimately improves functional integration with host tissue.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated the principles for controlled oxygen delivery to power tissue regeneration by integrating insights into physiological oxygen demands and biomaterial design. Advanced oxygen-releasing devices now combine tailored release mechanisms with responsive elements to adapt oxygen flux in real time, ensuring optimal cellular function. Foundational work has also demonstrated the utility of self-assembling peptide nanofibre scaffolds as a supportive matrix for peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells. In this approach, a peptide backbone forms a three-dimensional framework that fosters cell survival and osteogenic differentiation in situ, with successful repair of critical-size cranial defects. These examples underscore the potential of combining molecular-scale organisation and controlled oxygen supply to bridge the gap between construct implant and neovascularisation.

Oxygen-Releasing Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in oxygen-releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Oxygen‐releasing biomaterial: Engineered material capable of generating or releasing molecular oxygen in a controlled manner to support cell survival and function.

Hydrogel: Three-dimensional crosslinked polymer network that can retain large amounts of water, simulating the extracellular matrix.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that, at elevated levels, can cause oxidative stress to cells.

Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature to supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues.

Osteogenesis: Process of new bone formation by differentiation and activity of osteogenic cells.

Scaffold: Three-dimensional structure designed to support cell attachment, proliferation and tissue formation.

References

1. Controlled oxygen delivery to power tissue regeneration. Nature Communications (2024).
2. Osteogenesis of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells in self assembling peptide nanofiber for healing critical size calvarial bony defect. Scientific Reports (2015).
3. Implantable Multifunctional Micro‐Oxygen Reservoir System for Promoting Vascular‐Osteogenesis via Remodeling Regenerative Microenvironment. Advanced Science (2024).
4. 3D-printed oxygen-releasing scaffolds improve bone regeneration in mice. Biomaterials (2021).
5. Breathing life into engineered tissues using oxygen-releasing biomaterials. NPG Asia Materials (2019).