Hydrogels provide microenvironments to mesenchymal stem cells for craniofacial bone regeneration: Review

The anatomical and physiological architecture of the craniofacial bone is intricate. Hence, the exact management of osteogenesis is necessary for the regeneration of the deficiencies that present in this area. Stem-based tissue engineering approaches, as opposed to conventional surgical intervention, induce bone growth with minimal postoperative risk and expense. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC)'s pluripotent differentiation potential, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties underpin its versatility as a therapeutic agent in bone tissues. Inspired by the native stem cell niche, hydrogels are preferred choices to mediate cells and adapt to 3-D environment because of their outstanding swelling capabilities and similarity to natural extracellular matrices (ECMs). Due to their remarkable biocompatibility and capacity for stimulating bone regeneration, bone regeneration hydrogels have also received a great deal of interest. This review explores the opportunities of MSC based regenerative skeletal therapies, introduces the application of hydrogel scaffolds as artificial bone microenvironments for stem cells to explore its usage in craniofacial bone tissue engineering.

Automated summary

The anatomical and physiological architecture of the craniofacial bone is complex, making precise management of osteogenesis crucial for regeneration of any deficiencies in this area. Stem-based tissue engineering approaches offer a safer and more cost-effective way to induce bone growth compared to traditional surgical intervention. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have pluripotent differentiation potential, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that make them versatile in bone tissue therapies. Hydrogels, with their excellent swelling capabilities and similarity to natural extracellular matrices, are preferred choices for mediating cell growth and adapting to 3D environments. Due to their biocompatibility and ability to stimulate bone regeneration, hydrogels have become a topic of great interest in bone tissue engineering. This review explores the potential of MSC-based regenerative skeletal therapies and the application of hydrogel scaffolds as artificial bone microenvironments for stem cells in craniofacial bone tissue engineering.