Nanofibers and Microfibers for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering
摘要
Osteochondral tissue, comprising both articular cartilage and subchondral bone, is characterized by its complex architecture and limited capacity for self-regeneration after injury or degenerative diseases. Traditional clinical interventions such as microfracture, autografts, and allografts frequently do not completely restore the functional properties of osteochondral tissue. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative, with micro- and nanofibrous scaffolds at the forefront due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a very favorable environment for cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of fabrication techniques, including electrospinning and additive manufacturing, alongside detailed discussions of materials ranging from synthetic and natural polymers to composite structures. The integration of these scaffolds into osteochondral applications is explored, with an emphasis on current challenges, emerging trends, and the critical need for future innovations to enhance clinical translation.