Nanoceramics for Bone Regeneration in the Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Complex - Nanobiomaterials in Clinical Dentistry - page 368

scaffolds that can provide mechanical support as well as signaling factors to optimize the cells'
osteogenic functions ( Figure 19.1 ).
Recent reviews have focused on cell sources for bone regeneration [2] and delivery of growth
factors [3] in tissue engineering. The requirements of scaffolds are complex and specific to the
structure and function of the site of interest. Generally accepted characteristics of scaffolds have
the properties listed in Table 19.1 .
As noted by Hollister and Murphy the technical requirements of scaffolds can also be qualita-
tively described as the 4 Fs: Form, Function, Fixation, and Formation [5] . Form is the requirement
that scaffolds fill complex three-dimensional (3D) osseous defects. Function is the requirement
that scaffolds provide temporary mechanical loadbearingwithinthedefects.Fixationisthe
requirement that scaffolds are securely attached to bone at the defect margins, with formation
requiring that scaffolds enhance bone formation by providing the appropriate growth environ-
ments, allowing perfusion of needed nutrients and delivering osteoinductive factors, including
cells, proteins, and/or genes [5] .
Nanotechnology has been very pivotal in the fabrication of materials with properties that
support the cellular processes involved in bone regeneration and repair and provide a scaffold for
optimal 3D tissue formation. This chapter will discuss some of the recent advances in the

Cells
osteoblastic, stem
cells

Tissue
engineering
of
bone

Signaling factors
osteogenic,
angiogenic

Scaffolds
natural, synthetic

FIGURE 19.1
Basic components for tissue engineering of bone. The design of optimal bone tissue engineering for bone
regeneration in specific sites such as in the craniofacial/oral cavity regions requires the attraction of the
appropriate endogenous osteogenic cells or the addition of exogenous cells to scaffolds that will support the
bone regenerative processes with the addition of growth factors that will enhance osteogenesis as well as
support angiogenesis.