Growth factors loaded chitosan scaffolds as bioactive biomimetic multifunctional platforms in periodontal tissue engineering: a review

Abstract

Periodontitis causes severe tissue loss, making predictable regeneration a major challenge. Growth factor-loaded chitosan scaffolds offer a promising, multifunctional approach to enhance tissue regeneration. This review explores their design, optimization, and therapeutic potential, focusing on delivery methods, release kinetics, and biocompatibility. Studies show these scaffolds improve local delivery, sustain growth factor release, and reduce cytotoxicity while offering reinforcement and encouraging cell adhesion. Optimized release kinetics ensure a favorable prognosis, reducing the necessity for recurrent administration. Growth factor-loaded chitosan scaffolds create a biomimetic environment that supports periodontal healing, representing an innovative strategy for advancing periodontal therapy. Further research on scaffold design, growth factor combinations, and long-term outcomes is essential to refine this approach for more effective, predictable regeneration.