Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the characteristics of various bone tissue engineering scaffolds and their role in repairing bone defects.
METHODS: Using “bone tissue engineering, scaffold, bone defect” in Chinese and in English as the key words, a computer search of articles from January 2000 to June 2010 was performed. Articles related to bone tissue engineering scaffolds to repair bone defects were included. Totally 28 articles focuses on the characteristics of various bone tissue engineering scaffolds in repairing bone defects, and verified using calcium sulfate artificial bone.
RESULTS: There are many materials for bone tissue engineering scaffolds, at present, the scaffold materials can be divided into three categories: bio-derived materials, inorganic materials and polymer materials. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in the repair of bone defects. With the deepening of the study, a composite scaffold becomes the current research focus. Some bioactive inorganic materials, such as bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite, have been used to prepare novel composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering by adding to collagen and chitosan matrix. Until now, there has no ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Clinical verification shows that calciums sulfate artificial bone is effective in repairing large bone defects.
CONCLUSION: It is believed that with the development of various disciplines, the properties of bone tissue engineering scaffold materials will be more perfect, thereby promoting the development of bone tissue engineering, and ultimately apply for clinical application.