Application of collagen in bone regeneration

Abstract

At present, there is a significant population of individuals experiencing bone deficiencies caused by injuries, ailments affecting the bones, congenital abnormalities, and cancer. The management of substantial bone defects a significant global orthopedic challenge due to the intricacies involved in promoting and restoring the growth of fresh osseous tissue. Autografts are widely regarded as the "gold standard" for repairing bone defects because of their superior tissue acceptance and ability to control osteogenesis. However, patients undergoing autografts may encounter various challenges, including but not limited to hernia, bleeding, nerve impairment, tissue death. Therefore, researchers in regenerative medicine are striving to find alternatives. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and its triple helix structure gives it unique characteristics that contribute to its strength and functionality in various tissues. Collagen is commonly processed into various forms such as scaffolds, sponges, membranes, hydrogels, and composite materials, due to its unique compatibility with the human body, affinity for water, minimal potential for immune reactions, adaptability, and ability to transport nutrients or drugs. As an alternative material in the field of bone regeneration, collagen is becoming increasingly important. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the primary types and sources of collagen, their processes of synthesis and degradation, as well as the advancements made in bone regeneration research and its potential applications. A comprehensive investigation into the role of collagen in bone regeneration is undertaken, providing valuable points of reference for a more profound comprehension of collagen applications in this field. The concluding section provides a comprehensive overview of the prospective avenues for collagen research, underscoring their promising future and highlighting their significant potential in the field of bone regeneration. The Translational Potential of this Article. The comprehensive exploration into the diverse functions and translational potential of collagen in bone regeneration, as demonstrated in this review, these findings underscore their promising potential as a treatment option with significant clinical implications, thus paving the way for innovative and efficacious therapeutic strategies in this domain.

Keywords: Bone; Bone injury; Regenerative medicine; Tissue engineering; Translational medicine.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Structural characteristics and sources of collagen (Created with BioRender.com.). ECM, extracellular matrix.

Fig. 2

Bone repair involves three stages: inflammation, repair, and remodeling (Created with BioRender.com.). IL-1interleukin-1; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; RANKL, receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B ligand; Ang-1, angiopoietin-1; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; Col-I, collagen type I; Col-II, collagen type II; Col-IV, collagen type IV; Col-IX, collagen type IX; Col-X, collagen type X; Col-XI, collagen type XI.

Fig. 3

Collagen-derived substances in diverse formats (scaffold, membranes, hydrogel, sponges and micro- and nanospheres) are prepared by compositing with natural polymers, synthetic polymers, metals and inorganic non-metallic materials in bone tissue engineering (Created with BioRender.com.). PCL, polycaprolactone; PLGA, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid; PVA, polyvinyl alcohol; HA, hydroxyapatite; β-TCP, β-Tricalcium Phosphate.