# Evolving Strategies and Materials for Scaffold Development in Regenerative Dentistry
## 4 Discussion
### Future of Scaffold Approaches  
Future trends in scaffold approaches show promising opportunities for tissue regeneration in the near future. Early explorations of using 4D materials in scaffold development [162] or gene-activated materials [163] or various advanced scaffolds for dentin-pub complex regeneration and other innovative trends in regenerative dentistry [6; 164; 165; 109; 110; 166; 167; 106; 168] suggest an incoming boom of this specialty.  
Novel materials that will be used in scaffold approaches include decellularized matrices, hydrogels, scaffolds, and bioactive materials. The fabrication methods are based on 3D printing, self-assembling microfabrication, electromagnetic patterning, and bioprinting, complemented by using growth factors and other molecules. These emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionize scaffold approaches and lead to the development of new and more effective therapies for a wide range of problems.  
The following trends were identified according to the literature analysis:  
* Decellularized matrices are natural scaffolds created by removing cells from tissue. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, and can be tailored for specific tissue regeneration, such as using heart matrices to regenerate heart muscle [141].
* Hydrogels are soft, flexible materials made from natural (e.g., collagen) or synthetic polymers. Their customizable properties like stiffness, degradation, and cell adhesion make them versatile for supporting a wide range of tissue growth.
* 3D printing is a technology that can be used to create complex scaffolds with intricate structures that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues. This can help to improve the ability of scaffolds to support cell growth and differentiation. 3D printing is also a relatively rapid and efficient process, which can make it a more cost-effective way to produce scaffolds or even personalized medical appliances [151; 169].
* Adding growth factors and other molecules to scaffolds improves their performance in tissue regeneration by promoting cell growth, differentiation, and tissue formation.
* Self-assembling scaffolds are materials that can spontaneously assemble into complex structures without the need for external forces. This can lead to the formation of scaffolds that are highly porous and interconnected, which is ideal for supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration.
* Bioactive materials are materials that can release bioactive molecules, such as growth factors and signaling molecules, over time. This can help to promote cell growth, differentiation, and tissue formation. Bioactive materials can also be used to deliver drugs and other therapeutic agents to cells and tissues.
* Microfabrication is a technology that can be used to create scaffolds with micrometer-scale features. This can be used to control the size and shape of pores in scaffolds, which can affect the ability of cells to adhere and grow on the scaffold.  
* Electromagnetic patterning is a technology that can be used to create scaffolds with patterns of electrical charges. This can be used to attract and guide cells to specific locations on the scaffold.
* Bioprinting is a technology that can be used to create scaffolds with complex structures using living cells. This can be used to create scaffolds that are more similar to natural tissues and that can support the growth of a wider variety of cell types.