Smart Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: Stimuli-Responsive Platforms for Dynamic Tissue Regeneration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22034/JATE.2026.241Keywords:
Smart scaffolds, tissue engineering, 4D bioprintingAbstract
Traditional scaffolds in tissue engineering are static structural supports and cannot cope with the changing physiological state of the wound or tissue formation. Smart scaffolds are able to adapt the physical or chemical form of a scaffold in response to the internal or external triggers. The design principles, material classes, and mechanisms of stimuli-responsive frameworks are discussed in this review. We analyze scaffolds responsive to pH, temperature, enzymes, reactive oxygen species, glucose, magnetic fields, electrical cues, mechanical force, and light. We also discuss multi-stimuli-responsive systems and 4D printing technologies. We also discuss translational barriers such as biocompatibility, long-term stability, scale-up, and regulatory complexity. The review ends with future aspirations for immuno-smart and sensor-integrated scaffolds. With the dynamic nature of biological processes, smart scaffolds allow the drug release, mechanical properties, and cell behavior to be controlled with precision.
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