Title: Trends in the naturally derived biomedical polymer and programmable biomaterials for bone regeneration; developments and challenges, future prospects
Authors: Kanyana Ruth
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 61-73
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
The advancement of tissue engineering has significantly benefited from the use of biomedical polymers, which offer essential characteristics such as mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These polymers, both natural and synthetic, serve as scaffolds for tissue regeneration, supporting cellular processes and degrading in synchrony with tissue formation. Natural polymers such as collagen, gelatin, and chitosan exhibit excellent biocompatibility and mimic native extracellular matrices, though they may have limited mechanical strength. Synthetic polymers, including polyesters and polycarbonates, offer controlled degradation and tunable mechanical properties but may lack inherent biological activity. The integration of programmable biomaterials capable of responding to environmental stimuli and adapting over time marks a promising direction in regenerative medicine. These smart materials can dynamically regulate biological responses to support bone repair, addressing inflammation, remodeling, and regeneration. This review discusses the different natural and programmable biomaterials and their technological applications in tissue engineering, highlighting their role in creating next-generation solutions for bone regeneration.