Current strategies for enhancement of the bioactivity of artificial ligaments: A mini-review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction calls for artificial ligaments with better bioactivity, however systematic reviews regarding bioactivity enhancement strategies, technologies, and perspectives of artificial ligaments have been rarely found. METHODS: Research papers, reviews, and clinical reports related to artificial ligaments were searched and summarized the current status and research trends of artificial ligaments through a systematic analysis. RESULTS: Having experienced ups and downs since the very first record of clinical application, artificial ligaments differing in material, and fabrication methods have been reported with different clinical performances. Various manufacturing technologies have developed and realized scaffold- and cell-based strategies. Despite encouraging in-vivo and in-vitro test results, the clinical results of such new designs need further clinical examinations. CONCLUSION: As the demand for ACL reconstruction dramatically increases, novel artificial ligaments with better osteoinductivity and mechanical performance are promising. THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE: To develop novel artificial ligaments simultaneously possessing excellent osteoinductivity and satisfactory mechanical performance, it is important to grab a glance at recent research advances. This systematic analysis provides researchers and clinicians with comprehensive and comparable information on artificial ligaments, thus being of clinical translational significance.