Stem Cells in Bone Tissue Engineering: Progress, Promises and Challenges

Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2024 Oct;20(7):1692-1731. doi: 10.1007/s12015-024-10738-y. Epub 2024 Jul 19.

Abstract

Bone defects from accidents, congenital conditions, and age-related diseases significantly impact quality of life. Recent advancements in bone tissue engineering (TE) involve biomaterial scaffolds, patient-derived cells, and bioactive agents, enabling functional bone regeneration. Stem cells, obtained from numerous sources including umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, bone marrow, and dental pulp, hold immense potential in bone TE. Induced pluripotent stem cells and genetically modified stem cells can also be used. Proper manipulation of physical, chemical, and biological stimulation is crucial for their proliferation, maintenance, and differentiation. Stem cells contribute to osteogenesis, osteoinduction, angiogenesis, and mineralization, essential for bone regeneration. This review provides an overview of the latest developments in stem cell-based TE for repairing and regenerating defective bones.

Keywords: Bone defects; Bone tissue engineering; Hydrogels; Mesenchymal stem cells; Osteogenesis; iPSCs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Regeneration*
  • Bone and Bones* / cytology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Osteogenesis
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Tissue Engineering* / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds