ADVANCEMENTS IN SCAFFOLD-BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Abstract

In the field of tissue engineering, there is a growing focus on developing strategies for the reconstruction of dysfunctional tissue models through the transplantation of cells using stable scaffolds and biomolecules. Recently, significant attention has been focused on the expansion of dynamically responsive platforms that mimic the extracellular environment, leading to the integration of tissues and organs. The successful regeneration or restoration of tissues relies on the presence of a scaffold that serves as a temporary framework for cell proliferation and extracellular matrix formation. Various methods, including solvent abstraction, freeze drying/abstraction/gelation, particle compression, and phase reversal, can be employed to fabricate scaffolds. In the context of drug delivery systems utilizing polymeric scaffolds, careful consideration of optimal parameters such as drug loading capacity is crucial. Biodegradable polymers and bioceramics are commonly utilized to fabricate scaffolds. This review provides an overview of the significance of scaffolds, the materials employed, and the fabrication techniques utilized in the expansion of scaffolds for sustained drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.