Smart Injectable Hydrogels for Craniomaxillofacial Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Craniomaxillofacial bones are susceptible to trauma, congenital abnormalities, and pathologies. Regeneration of craniomaxillofacial bones is challenging due to its complexity and proximity to numerous vital tissues. Allograft and autograft are traditional options for treatment; however, restrictions are caused by limited integration and severe morbidity. There has been a pursuit for materials that imitate natural bone and can be used to fill intricate craniomaxillofacial defects through a minimally invasive procedure. Facial bone defects have a unique geometry and an irregular contour, requiring thin and porous scaffolds while maintaining suitable mechanical properties. There are conflicting requirements that need to be addressed when designing injectable hydrogels that can be mechanically and chemically tuned to offer optimal therapeutic advantages. This chapter delves into the present state of injectable hydrogels utilized in producing biomaterials/scaffolds for craniomaxillofacial bone tissue engineering. We also explore the possibilities of future advances in the field along with critical considerations on scaffold design.