Oxygen-Generating Biomaterials: A New, Viable Paradigm for Tissue Engineering?

Abstract

There have been many attempts to provide sufficient nutrients, especially oxygen, to engineered large tissues to overcome the effects of hypoxia or poor vascularization. Delivering sufficient oxygen to the transplanted cells is one of the most critical issues that affects cell survival and correct maturation of engineered tissues. An emerging approach is using 3D scaffolds made from oxygen-generating biomaterials to tackle transport limitations deep within the engineered tissues. This class of biomaterials has opened a new window for overcoming the challenges associated with ischemia occurring within large tissue constructs. This review critically assesses oxygen-generating reagents, the main approaches for developing oxygen-generating biomaterials, and their potential as 3D scaffolds for regenerative medicine in a clinical setting.

Keywords: biomaterial; hypoxia; oxygen generation; regeneration; stem cells; tissue engineering.