Focal Adhesion of Collagen-Based Bone Grafting Materials Enhances Bone Regeneration

Collagen, which has osteoconductive potential, has been widely used as scaffold material for bone repair and regeneration for more than 3 decades. Of late, collagen has been combined with other materials to produce collagen-based bone grafting materials with enhanced bone repair and regeneration capacities. However, varied results have been obtained with collagen-based grafting materials. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced bone engineering capacity of these materials, we critically reviewed the current literature on the complex hierarchical structure and properties of native collagen molecules. This review emphasizes the scientific challenge of manufacturing collagen-based materials with suitable properties and shapes for specific biomedical applications, particularly bone repair and regeneration. This article sheds light on the interactions between collagen and cell receptor molecules to mediate biological pathways. In addition, this article clarifies the mechanisms of cell adhesion–mediated bone regeneration. The findings may guide future research on collagen-based biomaterials.