Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
2
Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
3
Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
4
Department of Microbiology, Maragheh Branch, Islamic Azad University. Maragheh, Iran.
10.22034/jrb.2026.07.V2I1A7
Abstract
Bone and cartilage defects resulting from trauma, degenerative diseases, and congenital abnormalities present significant clinical challenges due to limited intrinsic regenerative capacity. Nanotechnology offers transformative solutions by enabling the fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds that recapitulate the native extracellular matrix architecture at the nanoscale. This narrative review explores recent advances in nanotechnology-based scaffolds for bone and cartilage tissue engineering, with emphasis on electrospun nanofiber systems and advanced nanocomposites, synthesizing current knowledge and identifying future research directions. Electrospinning has emerged as the predominant technique for fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds, with hybrid approaches combining nanofibers with hydrogels (e.g., GelMA) showing enhanced cellular responses. Metal-organic frameworks, bioactive ceramic nanoparticles (hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate), carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes), and natural polymer nanofibers (collagen, gelatin, chitosan) demonstrate distinct advantages for bone regeneration. For cartilage engineering, stimulus-responsive systems and gradient scaffolds for osteochondral interface regeneration show particular promise. Surface functionalization strategies, including growth factor delivery and ionic modifications, significantly enhance bioactivity. In vivo studies confirm improved osseointegration and cartilage matrix deposition compared to conventional scaffolds. Nanotechnology-based scaffolds represent a paradigm shift in regenerative medicine, offering unprecedented control over scaffold architecture, mechanical properties, and biological functionality. While challenges remain in clinical translation, including scalability, long-term safety assessment, and regulatory pathways, the integration of machine learning-guided design and personalized medicine approaches promises to accelerate the development of next-generation tissue engineering solutions.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)