Recent advances in the application of mesoporous silica-based nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering

Silica nanomaterials (SNMs) and their composites have recently been investigated as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. SNM scaffolds possess the ability to encourage bone cell growth and also allow the simultaneous delivery of biologically active biomolecules that are encapsulated in the mesopores. Their high mechanical strength, low cytotoxicity, ability to stimulate both the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of progenitor cells make the SNMs appropriate scaffolds. Their physiochemical properties facilitate the cell spreading process, allow easy access to nutrients and help the cell-cell communication process during bone tissue engineering. The ability to deliver small biomolecules, such as dexamethasone, different growth factors, vitamins and mineral ions depends on the morphology, porosity, and crystallinity of SNMs and their composites with other polymeric materials. In this review, the abilities of SNMs to perform as suitable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering are comprehensively discussed. [Display omitted] •Bone tissue engineering uses scaffolds to encourage growth of new bone cells.•Silica nanomaterials have multifunctional applications in this field.•They can deliver drugs, growth factors, antimicrobials or combinations.•Specific surface features stimulate bone cell proliferation and differentiation.•Their mechanical properties are better than other scaffolds.