The application of growth factors in bone tissue engineering delivery systems and collaborative innovation strategies

BACKGROUND: Although bone tissue has inherent healing ability, bone regeneration of critical size defects still requires strategic intervention. As key signalling molecules, growth factors (GFs) coordinate bone formation and angiogenesis. However, their clinical application faces several challenges, including short half-lives, off-target effects and insufficient spatiotemporal control. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the role of key GFs in bone tissue engineering (BTE) and critically evaluates advanced delivery systems based on the core translational concepts, aiming to promote safer and more effective bone repair methods. CONTENT: Moving beyond traditional material-based classifications, this review explores how biomaterial platforms achieve precise release kinetics and spatial control of key GFs, such as bone morphogenesis proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, it also emphasizes innovative strategies, including cell-based systems, stimulus response platforms and advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and electrostatic spinning. These strategies enhance the stability and target distribution of GFs. The key is that it describes safety problems and transformation obstacles, including off-target effect, ectopic bone formation and manufacturing scalability. CONCLUSION: GFs continue to show great potential in the field of bone regeneration. Future progress will depend on bridging the gap between intelligent biomaterial design and clinical application by solving key transformation obstacles related to manufacturing technology and systemic safety.