In order to build fibrous bone tissue scaffolds for guided bone regeneration and to mimic the trilayer structure and the multifunctional properties of the natural periosteum, we fabricated two fibrous trilayer membranes by conjugate electrospinning technology, in which poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fiber was designed as an outer layer, the mixed fibers of PCL and polyurethane (co-PUPCL) as the interlayer, and degradable polyurethane fibers with or without nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) as the inner layer (PUHA or PU). The microstructure and characteristics of the trilayer membranes were evaluated and different monolayer fibers were fabricated as the contrast samples. The tensile strength values of each layer increased from the inner layer to the outer layer in the designed structure, while the step-by-step electrospinning method produced good adhesion of different layers. Furthermore, the degradable properties and hydrophilicity of the layers changed with dissymmetric fibrous structures. Cell proliferation assay and cell morphology observation indicated that the PUHA inner fibrous layer exhibited better cell attachment and proliferation than PU. In addition, the osteogenicity of the PUHA fibrous layer has been attested through protein expression by the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) into the osteogenic lineage. Cell infiltration testing on the two sides of the trilayer membranes in vitro and in vivo showed that the inner layer had good cellular penetration deep into the scaffolds, whereas the cells were barred by the outer layer. We have developed a trilayer structured membrane with different polymer fibers to replicate the natural periosteum by improving functional outcomes, which is a promising fibrous scaffold for clinical use in the repair of destroyed bone.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane has been used to improve functional outcomes for periodontal regeneration. However, few studies have focused on the biomimetic membrane mimicking the vascularization of the periodontal membrane. This study aimed to fabricate waterborne polyurethane (WPU) fibrous membranes loaded fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) via emulsion electrospinning, which can promote regeneration of periodontal tissue via the vascularization of the biomimetic GBR membrane. A biodegradable WPU was synthesized by using lysine and dimethylpropionic acid as chain extenders according to the rule of green chemical synthesis technology. The WPU fibers with FGF-2 was fabricated via emulsion electrospinning. The results confirmed that controlled properties of the fibrous membrane had been achieved with controlled degradation, suitable mechanical properties and sustained release of the factor. The immunohistochemical expression of angiogenic-related factors was positive, meaning that FGF-2 loaded in fibers can significantly promote cell vascularization. The fiber scaffold loaded FGF-2 has the potential to be used as a functional GBR membrane to promote the formation of extraosseous blood vessels during periodontal repairing.

Background: Fractures are increasing due to ageing populations. Physical agent modalities, a non-invasive treatment, enhances healing and reduces non-union risk. Objective: This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of physical agent modalities in patients with fractures and compares the outcomes of different interventions on healing and pain relief. Methods: Articles published up to April 2025 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted data from randomized controlled trials assessing seven types of physical agent modalities: Electrical Stimulation (ES), Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Stimulation (PEMFS), Ultrasound Therapy (UST), Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Magnetic Stimulation (MS), Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), and Capacitively Coupled Electric Field Stimulation (CCEFS). Standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed for three outcomes: Pain Relief Difference, Time to Complete Fracture Healing (days), and Number of Cases Achieving Complete Fracture Healing. Cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) scores were calculated for each therapy, with data presented as mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: This meta-analysis includes 39 studies with 2,379 participants. The standard meta-analysis results show that physical agent modalities can markedly enhance fracture healing, with significant pain relief (MD = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.61, 1.99), P = 0.0002, shorter time to complete fracture healing (days) (MD = −21.58, 95% CI: −31.05, −12.11), P < 0.0001, and more number of cases achieving complete fracture healing (RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.60), P < 0.0001. However, the NMA findings indicate that most direct or indirect comparisons between different physical agent therapies yield pooled effect sizes whose 95% confidence intervals include the null value (0 or 1), showing no significant differences between groups. SUCRA rankings revealed that LLLT (87.5%) and ES (80.8%) were more effective in pain relief, while UST (82.9%) and CCEFS (99.9%) excelled in promoting fracture healing. Conclusion: LLLT, ES, UST, and CCEFS may yield improved outcomes for fracture patients; however, further high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to validate these findings.

Purpose: This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of mesenchymal stem cells in relation to bone regeneration from 2005 to 2024. The objective is to identify emerging research hotspots and elucidate collaborative networks within the field. Methods: Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection on April 20, 2025. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses assessed publication trends, funding sources, journals, authors, institutions, and countries. Visualization and mapping of keywords, collaborations, and co-citation patterns were performed using CiteSpace and Bibliometrix. Results: A total of 9441 articles were published from 2005 to 2024. Leading journals included Biomaterials , Acta Biomaterialia , and Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A . Liu Y emerged as the most prolific author with 167 publications and 5720 citations. China, along with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, ranked first in both national and institutional output. Core collaborations were observed between China, the USA, South Korea, and Germany. Prominent keywords included “osteogenic differentiation,” “mesenchymal stem cells,” “bone regeneration,” “in vitro,” and “scaffolds.” Conclusion: This study offers a systematic analysis of the literature on mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration. Biomaterials is identified as the most influential journal in this field, with China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Liu Y leading the research output. Key research hotspots include bone healing, bone metabolism, nanomaterials, and dynamics, while cutting-edge areas such as mitochondrial function, miR-21-5p, cellular senescence, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and 3D printing are emerging as significant research directions.