The application of biomimetic scaffolds in temporomandibular joint disc regeneration research: Current advances and future challenges

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a structurally heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous tissue characterized by sparse vascularity and inherently limited regenerative capacity. Although tissue engineering strategies have made significant progress in promoting TMJ disc regeneration, the resulting neotissue often fails to fully recapitulate the native tissue's biomechanical properties and ultrastructure. To enhance the functional integration of cells with scaffolds and engineer fibrocartilage that closely mimics native structure of the TMJ disc, the development of biomimetic scaffolds capable of recapitulating both structural heterogeneity and anisotropy has emerged as a pivotal focus in tissue regeneration research. This article presents a systematic overview of the current state of application and challenges of biological scaffolds in fibrocartilage regeneration research, focusing on five key domains: micro-mechanically guided anisotropic biomimetic scaffolds, functionally modified decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), immunomodulatory composite scaffolds, scaffold pore architecture, and spatiotemporally controlled delivery systems. Collectively, these advances lay a robust theoretical foundation and experimental framework for the rational design of biomimetic scaffolds in TMJ disc tissue engineering.