In vitro and in vivo evaluation of composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

The repair of large bone defects resulting from trauma or disease remains a clinical challenge. Tissue engineering is a promising approach using scaffolds combined with cells and/or growth factors to simulate bone repair. Biocomposites, consisting of bioceramics and synthetic and/or natural polymers, have been sought for use as scaffolds because of their attractive properties in accelerating bone tissue formation. Bioceramics have proven osteoconductivity and can be combined with various types of polymers to create highly porous biocomposite scaffolds. This chapter will review bioceramic and polymer compositions used in composite scaffolds, their design, and their evaluation in in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrating their potential for use in bone repair.