| Tissue engineering to replace an injured/defective organ is considered a complex process by which the required
biological functionalities are restored. As an effective strategy to restore the damaged tissue/organs, tissue
regeneration is based on the use of safe scaffolds supplemented with necessary bioactive substances and
incorporated with live cells. To have the maximal biological impacts, the cells are incorporated into a safe
bioactive scaffold and implanted for regenerating the desired tissue of the defected organ. Such a complex
process is largely dependent on (i) the physicochemical properties of the scaffold used, (ii) the integrity of the
incorporated cells, and (iii) the biological setting in which the cell-embedded scaffold is implanted. In bone and
cartilage tissue engineering, advanced biomimetic hydrogels offer a remarkable 3D matrix with desired properties, upon which they can permissively accommodate the embodied cells. Advanced bioactive hydrogels offer
extraordinary features, including safety and biocompatibility, high water absorption capacity, resemblance to the
normal extracellular matrix, mechanical strength, capability to accommodate cells, and potential to incorporate
the necessary substances such as growth factors necessary for tissue regeneration, and flexibility in production.
The current review aims to provide deep insights into the design, fabrication techniques of hydrogels, and
application of bioactive substances for the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissues. |