Cell adhesion in bone grafts associated to nanotechnology: a systematic review

Tissue engineering aims at the development of biological substitutes that can restore, maintain, or improve the functionality of damaged tissue or organs. To this end, molecular and cellular interactions may influence the tissue reactions to biomaterials. In order to be effective and integrated to the receiving area, the bone graft is required to allow a strong cell adhesion, interacting with several molecules to induce migration, differentiation, and thus the mineralization of the new bone on the graft. These cell adhesion molecules (CAM) will mediate the contact between two cells or between cells and the extracellular matrix, an essential process to the success of the implant. Objective: This paper is a systematic review of the literature on the mechanisms of cell adhesion to bone grafts associated to nanotechnology, describing the importance and the role of those molecules in the adhesion and thus in tissue regeneration. Literature review: After the use of search strategies, 18 articles that describe processes of cell adhesion to bone grafts were selected. Results: The main reported mechanisms involve cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and extracellular matrix components. Conclusion: Several molecules are involved in the process of cell adhesion to bone grafts, highlighting the role of integrins, the focal adhesion mechanism, the influence of the collagen matrix, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in bone matrix formation. Accurate identification of these mechanisms of cell adhesion is essential for further advancement in tissue engineering, such as the production of biological bone substitutes that achieve a better clinical outcome.