Biomimic design of periosteum: Construction strategies, scaffold design and cell sources

Abstract

In terms of bone physiology, the periosteum plays critical roles in both bone formation and defect healing. Periosteum is a dual-layered soft tissue membrane that contains osteogenic progenitor cells in the cambial layer, as well as blood supply and supportive cells in the fibrous layer. Transplantation of autogenous or allogenous periosteum has been applied successfully in the repair of various-sized bone defects, especially in large bone defects. However, two major concerns exist in relation to the insufficient autologous donor tissues and donor site morbidity or immunological rejection related to allogeneic tissues. Periosteum tissue engineering is to mimic the natural structure of periosteum, which will guide bone formation in a physiological manner. This chapter provides current information about the construction strategies, scaffold design and cell sources for the periosteum tissue engineering based on the structure and functions of natural periosteum.