Bone tissue engineering: hope vs hype.
The requirement for new bone to replace or restore the function of traumatised, damaged, or lost bone is a major clinical and socioeconomic need. Bone formation strategies, although attractive, have yet to yield functional and mechanically competent bone. Bone tissue engineering has been heralded as the alternative strategy to regenerate bone. In essence, the discipline aims to combine progenitor or mature cells with biocompatible materials or scaffolds, with or without appropriate growth factors, to initiate repair and regeneration. This brief review outlines the concepts, challenges, and limitations in bone tissue engineering and the potential that could improve the quality of life for many as a result of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Rose
Felicity R A J
FR
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
Oreffo
Richard O C
RO
D001861:Bone Regeneration; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
D018786:Bone Substitutes; D006133:Growth Substances