Biomimetic strategies for fabricating musculoskeletal tissue scaffolds: a review

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology Vol. 112; no. 5-6; pp. 1211 - 1229
• Main Authors: Zhou, Yingge, Sooriyaarachchi, Dilshan, Liu, Defu, Tan, George Z.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomimetic materials; CAE) and Design; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Critical Review; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Rapid manufacturing; Regeneration; Scaffolds; Three dimensional composites; Tissue engineering; Bioinspired materials; Biofabrication techniques; Musculoskeletal tissue engineering; Biomimetic structures
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-020-06538-6

The advancements in musculoskeletal tissue engineering have been substantial in recent decades. Fabrication of biomimetic microenvironment closely resembling the native tissues has been widely accepted as the golden rule for tissue engineering. This paper reviews recent progress in fabrication strategy of biomimetic scaffolds for musculoskeletal tissue engineering from three key aspects: bioinspired materials, biomimetic structures, and biofabrication techniques. The emerging hybrid biofabrication technologies that enable rapid manufacturing of 3D composite constructs with complex features will be a promising pathway toward highly efficient bench-to-bedside translation. Future biomimetic scaffolds should possess modulated functions in response to the dynamic physiological and mechanical environments. This is the prerequisite of future development of reliable, flexible, and cost-effective alternatives to achieve long-term regeneration and good clinical outcomes.