Chemical Research in Chinese Universities ›› 2024, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (5): 786-797.doi: 10.1007/s40242-024-4135-0

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Sponge as Scaffolds in Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering

LUO Lei1,2, GONG Yining2, YAN Liang2, BU Yazhong3   

  1. 1. Medical College, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, P. R. China;
    2. Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, P. R. China;
    3. Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, P. R. China
  • Received:2024-05-27 Online:2024-10-01 Published:2024-09-26
  • Contact: BU Yazhong,yazhongbu@xjtu.edu.cn;YAN Liang,yanliangdr5583@163.com E-mail:yazhongbu@xjtu.edu.cn;yanliangdr5583@163.com
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.52103184),the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province,China (No.2024JC-YBQN-0874) and the Strengthening Basic Disciplines Plan of Innovation Ability in Xi'an,China (No.22YXYJ0083).

Abstract: In recent years, tissue scaffolds have emerged as a new therapeutic method for bone and cartilage regeneration, with sponge scaffolds gaining increasing attention. Sponge scaffolds possess several favorable characteristics, including appropriate biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, good processability, powerful osteogenic ability, a unique porous structure, and adjustable pore size and connectivity. These attributes make sponge scaffolds a promising option for bone and cartilage regeneration. However, to date, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the use of sponge scaffolds in this field. In this review, our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress and development trends of sponge scaffolds. Firstly, we introduce the various materials used for sponge scaffolds. Secondly, we summarize the different preparation methods employed for creating sponge scaffolds. Subsequently, we discuss the functional additives that can be incorporated into the scaffolds. Finally, we present some special structures that can be achieved in sponge scaffolds. Our aim is for this review to offer valuable insights and serve as a comprehensive resource for the design of sponge scaffolds in cartilage and bone regeneration.

Key words: Bone, Sponge, Scaffold, Tissue regeneration