Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesNarrative ReviewEurope PMCOpen access

The application of growth factors in bone tissue engineering delivery systems and collaborative innovation strategies

Xu M., Cao H., Wu L.

Narrative Review on Face & Skin, Systemic / IV, published in Ann Med (2026) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

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Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesEvidence level of this study

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

  • Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
  • Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
  • Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
  • Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
  • Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
Read the A–D evidence level guide

This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type
Narrative Review
Journal
Ann Med (2026)
Reported sample size
—
Source database
Europe PMC
PMID
42145120
PMCID
PMC13185072
DOI
10.1080/07853890.2026.2670149

Abstract (original English)

Background Although bone tissue has inherent healing ability, bone regeneration of critical size defects still requires strategic intervention. As key signalling molecules, growth factors (GFs) coordinate bone formation and angiogenesis. However, their clinical application faces several challenges, including short half-lives, off-target effects and insufficient spatiotemporal control. Objective This article reviews the role of key GFs in bone tissue engineering (BTE) and critically evaluates advanced delivery systems based on the core translational concepts, aiming to promote safer and more effective bone repair methods. Content Moving beyond traditional material-based classifications, this review explores how biomaterial platforms achieve precise release kinetics and spatial control of key GFs, such as bone morphogenesis proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, it also emphasizes innovative strategies, including cell-based systems, stimulus response platforms and advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and electrostatic spinning. These strategies enhance the stability and target distribution of GFs. The key is that it describes safety problems and transformation obstacles, including off-target effect, ectopic bone formation and manufacturing scalability. Conclusion GFs continue to show great potential in the field of bone rege

What this study does not prove

  • • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
  • • This is a narrative review: it collects no new patient data and does not systematically appraise evidence quality.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

How we grade evidence
Bone and BonesAnimalsHumansIntercellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsVascular Endothelial Growth Factor ABone Morphogenetic ProteinsBiocompatible MaterialsDrug Delivery SystemsTissue EngineeringBone Regeneration

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