Tianyi Song,1 Lin Guo,1 Changcheng Wang,2 Mingcheng Li3 

1Second Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116001, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116001, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Lin Guo, Second Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116001, People’s Republic of China, Email gkysgl@126.com Mingcheng Li, School of Laboratory Medicine, Beihua University, No. 3999 East Road of Binjiang, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86432-64608115, Email limingcheng@beihua.edu.cn

Abstract: Tendon healing after ligament or tendon reconstruction remains a significant challenge. Regenerative tissue engineering, an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, materials science, and engineering, offers promising solutions. Recent developments have introduced scaffold materials designed to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of tendon-to-bone tissue cells. These scaffolds possessing three-dimensional composites of tissue cells and biomaterials, have proven effective in facilitating tendon-to-bone curing post-surgery. The successful development of the tendon-to-bone interface is a critical factor for early rehabilitation and functional recovery. In this mini-review, we present a comprehensive update on contemporary strategies for synthetic scaffold-based materials and their influence on tendon-to-bone healing. We described the synthetic materials compositions, structures and features of single-layer, multi-layer, and gradient scaffolds with their special mechanical properties. We examined the construction of engineering scaffolds from the perspectives of biomaterials and design strategies, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each approach. Ultimately, this review articulates clear research directions aimed at achieving breakthroughs in future studies.

Keywords: tendon healing, regenerative tissue engineering, synthetic scaffold materials