Periosteal Tissue Engineering: Current Developments and Perspectives

Periosteum, a highly vascularized bilayer connective tissue membrane plays an indispensable role in the repair and regeneration of bone defects. It is involved in blood supply and delivery of progenitor cells and bioactive molecules in the defect area. However, sources of natural periosteum are limited, therefore, there is a need to develop tissue-engineered periosteum (TEP) mimicking the composition, structure, and function of natural periosteum. This review explores TEP construction strategies from the following perspectives: i) different materials for constructing TEP scaffolds; ii) mechanical properties and surface topography in TEP; iii) cell-based strategies for TEP construction; and iv) TEP combined with growth factors. In addition, current challenges and future perspectives for development of TEP are discussed.

Automated summary

This review discusses the important role of periosteum in bone defect repair and regeneration, as well as the need for developing tissue-engineered periosteum (TEP). The construction strategies for TEP are explored from the perspectives of materials, mechanical properties, cell-based strategies, and combination with growth factors. Current challenges and future perspectives for TEP development are also discussed.