Research Progress on Biomaterials with Immunomodulatory Effects in Bone Regeneration

Abstract The immune system plays a pivotal role in bone regeneration, and biomaterials engineered to modulate immune responses present a promising strategy for the treatment of extensive bone defects and osteolytic conditions. This review critically evaluates recent advancements in immunomodulatory biomaterials for bone repair, integrating perspectives from both immunology and materials science. It offers a comprehensive analysis of key design strategies and the underlying principles guiding the development of these biomaterials, with a particular focus on their physical and chemical properties, bioactive molecule delivery systems, cell transplantation techniques, and responses to external stimuli. Additionally, this review examines the interactions between these biomaterials and immune cells, particularly macrophages, within various pathological contexts. Finally, the paper discusses current challenges and future directions, aiming to provide researchers and clinicians with a valuable resource for advancing this rapidly evolving field.