Smart Biodegradable Polymers for Bone Tissue Engineering: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspective

ABSTRACT Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional bone grafting techniques. Among the various biomaterials used, smart biodegradable polymers have gained significant attention due to their ability to combine biodegradability, biocompatibility, and responsive functionality. These materials can adapt to environmental stimuli—such as pH, temperature, enzymes, or mechanical stress—allowing for controlled degradation, targeted drug delivery, and enhanced tissue regeneration. Recent advancements in polymer chemistry and nanotechnology have enabled the design of multifunctional scaffolds that mimic the native bone extracellular matrix while providing dynamic and bioactive environments for cell growth and differentiation. However, challenges remain in achieving precise control over degradation rates, ensuring mechanical stability, and translating laboratory innovations into clinical applications. This review summarizes recent progress in the development and application of smart biodegradable polymers for bone tissue engineering, highlighting their fabrication methods, biological performance, current challenges, and future perspectives toward clinical translation.