Recent advances in biomaterials for 3D scaffolds: A review

Abstract

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of biomaterials used for the production of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering, new strategies for designing advanced functional biomimetic structures have been reviewed. We offer a comprehensive summary of recent trends in development of single- (metal, ceramics and polymers), composite-type and cell-laden scaffolds that in addition to mechanical support, promote simultaneous tissue growth, and deliver different molecules (growth factors, cytokines, bioactive ions, genes, drugs, antibiotics, etc.) or cells with therapeutic or facilitating regeneration effect. The paper briefly focuses on divers 3D bioprinting constructs and the challenges they face. Based on their application in hard and soft tissue engineering, in vitro and in vivo effects triggered by the structural and biological functionalized biomaterials are underlined. The authors discuss the future outlook for the development of bioactive scaffolds that could pave the way for their successful imposing in clinical therapy.

Keywords: Bioactive scaffolds; Bioceramics; Bioprinting; Bone tissue engineering; Polymeric biomaterials.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

A general scheme of various types of 3D scaffolds together with their applications in tissue engineering.

Fig. 2

Schematic overview of in vitro preparation of ECM template.

Fig. 3

A scheme illustrating the potential application of Fe-MBG scaffolds for malignant bone treatment (hyperthermia) and regeneration of the defect bone. Adapted from Ref. [99].

Fig. 4

Schematic representation of subcutaneous microenvironment after implantation of encapsulated myoblast cells and microspheres releasing dexamethasone in mice. Adapted from Ref. [160].

Fig. 5

A scheme illustrating the principle of co-axial electrospinning where the polymer in a solvent coats the inner aqueous solution while immerging from the needle. As a result, a smooth and beadless core-shell nanofibre is formed. Adapted from Ref. [164].

Fig. 6

Strategies for tissue regeneration by using cell-laden scaffolds: The top-down approach uses scaffolds biofunctionalized with cells and other biomolecules. The tissue is regenerated after cell proliferation and scaffold degradation. The bottom-up approach involves cell aggregates, sheets, modules or bioprinted elements to produce blocks for assembling the scaffolds needed for tissue regeneration.