Osteochondral Tissue Engineering: Scaffold Materials, Fabrication Techniques and Applications

Abstract

Osteochondral damage, caused by trauma, tumors, or degenerative diseases, presents a major challenge due to the limited self-repair capacity of the tissue. Traditional treatments often result in significant trauma and unpredictable outcomes. Recent advances in bone/cartilage tissue engineering, particularly in scaffold materials and fabrication technologies, offer promising solutions for osteochondral regeneration. This review highlights the selection and design of scaffolds using natural and synthetic materials such as collagen, chitosan (Cs), and polylactic acid (PLA), alongside inorganic components like bioactive glass and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp). Key fabrication techniques—freeze-drying, electrospinning, and 3D printing—have improved scaffold porosity and mechanical properties. Special focus is placed on the design of multiphasic scaffolds that mimic natural tissue structures, promoting cell adhesion and differentiation and supporting the regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone. In addition, the current obstacles and future directions for regenerating damaged osteochondral tissues will be discussed.