Work

Nanoclay-Composite Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering

Year: 2024

Type: review

Abstract: Nanoclay-composite hydrogels represent a promising avenue for advancing bone tissue engineering. Traditional hydrogels face challenges in providing mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and bioactivity necessary for successful bone regeneration. The incorporation of nanoclay into hydrogel matrices offers a potential unique solution to these challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fabrication, physico-chemical/biological performance, and applications of nanoclay-composite hydrogels in bone tissue engineering. Various fabrication techniques, including in situ polymerization, physical blending, and 3D printing, are discussed. In vitro and in vivo studies evaluating biocompatibility and bioactivity have demonstrated the potential of these hydrogels for promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Their applications in bone defect repair, osteochondral tissue engineering and drug delivery are also explored. Despite their potential in bone tissue engineering, nanoclay-composite hydrogels face challenges such as optimal dispersion, scalability, biocompatibility, long-term stability, regulatory approval, and integration with emerging technologies to achieve clinical application. Future research directions need to focus on refining fabrication techniques, enhancing understanding of biological interactions, and advancing towards clinical translation and commercialization. Overall, nanoclay-composite hydrogels offer exciting opportunities for improving bone regeneration strategies.

Source: Gels

DOI: 10.3390/gels10080513

Authors: Hee Sook Hwang, Chung-Sung Lee

Institutions: Dankook University, Soonchunhyang University

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955