Potential of organ-on-a-chip in advancing synthetic extracellular matrix technology for bone tissue engineering in dentistry (Review).

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a cutting-edge approach within biomedical sciences, especially in regenerative medicine, addressing key challenges such as organ transplantation and complex tissue repair. At the core of BTE is the development of biomimetic scaffolds to replicate native tissue environments. However, conventional models often fall short in accurately mimicking the complexity of human tissue microenvironments. Organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) technology offers a transformative alternative. These microscale systems combine microfluidics, biomaterials and cell cultures to emulate the structural and functional characteristics of human tissue. OOAC platforms facilitate dynamic, real-time evaluation of scaffold biocompatibility, cellular interactions and mechanical properties under physiological conditions. By overcoming the limitations of traditional preclinical models, OOAC systems minimize the need for animal testing, improve predictive accuracy for in vivo outcomes and accelerate the path to clinical translation. The present study aimed to summarize scaffold development for BTE, with a focus on dental applications, and highlights the integration of OOAC technology. These innovations possess the potential to revolutionize scaffold design and advance broader biomedical research applications.