Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (22): 4804-4812.doi: 10.12307/2025.451

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Tissue engineering technology for repairing temporomandibular joint: problems and challenges

Lai Pengyu, Liang Ran, Shen Shan   

  1. School of Stomatology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2024-04-09 Accepted:2024-06-13 Online:2025-08-08 Published:2024-12-06
  • Contact: Shen Shan, MD, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, School of Stomatology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
  • About author:Lai Pengyu, School of Stomatology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Municipality-University (Institute) Joint Funding Scheme of Guangzhou Science and Technology Program, No. 202201020031 (to SS)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traditional therapies for temporomandibular joint disorders are limited by the severity of the condition and individual differences. In contrast, tissue engineering, as an emerging therapeutic approach, offers personalized treatment options tailored to the specific needs of patients, reducing uncertainties during surgical procedures, and enhancing clinical outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the latest research achievements and advancements in tissue engineering for temporomandibular joint repair. 
METHODS: Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases using the Chinese and English search terms “temporomandibular joint, tissue engineering, seed cell, scaffold, growth factor, animal model.” The search period covered the inception of each database up to March 2024. Literature screening was performed by analyzing and reviewing relevant articles according to exclusion criteria, ultimately including 57 articles for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) With advancements in biology, materials science, and engineering, significant progress has been made in temporomandibular joint tissue engineering, including the selection of seed cells, development of novel scaffolds, exploration of growth factor mechanisms, and construction of various animal models. Most studies are still in the in vitro experimental stage, and in vivo studies such as animal experiments are not yet widely conducted. The clinical application of tissue engineering in repairing the temporomandibular joint requires more evidence. (2) Despite the remaining challenges and issues to be addressed in temporomandibular joint tissue engineering research, it still presents vast clinical application prospects and is poised to become an excellent and efficient treatment modality for temporomandibular joint disorders in the future. 

Key words: tissue engineering, temporomandibular joint, cartilage defect, seed cell, scaffold, hydrogel, decellularized extracellular matrix, growth factor, exosome, animal model

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