Scaffolds are materials that are used to stimulate the growth of cells or tissues in a desirable manner for formation of new functional tissues for medical applications. These scaffolds can be used as a support for organs or organ systems that have been damaged post injury or disease. Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering can be used to form scaffolds suitable for a given damaged organ or organ system. Tissue engineering is a part of biomedical engineering, which utilises a combination of cells, suitable biochemical and physiochemical factors, and sophisticated engineering methods to either maintain, restore, replace or improve biological tissues. Scaffolds can be either cultured in vitro or are directly implanted at the site of injury to synthesize tissue and promote healing. Biodegradable scaffolds are those which are degraded in a timely manner post implantation to ensure proper remodelling of the injured tissue or organ. Biodegradable scaffolds can be made using a wide range of materials such as natural polymers, synthetic polymers, ceramics, and bioglasses. Some of the natural polymers used for making biodegradable scaffolds include hyaluronic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and chitosan. Poly-alpha-hydroxy acids, polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyanhydrides are few types of synthetic polymers, which are rapidly biodegradable.

Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market: Dynamics

The primary driver for global biodegradable scaffold market include growing research in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to develop novel scaffolds for remodelling of biological tissues. For instance, according to an article published by the Pharmaceuticals journal in December 2017, it has been stated that biodegradable scaffolds made of materials such as collagen, gelatin, thrombin, polylactic acid, and others can be used effectively for delivery of antibiotics to the site of infection or injury in case of osteomyelitis to promote healing.

Rising launches of products by market players is another major factor that is expected to drive growth of the global biodegradable scaffold market over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2021, Orthofix Medical Inc., a U.S. based medical device company launched its fiberFUSE Strip, which is an advanced bone graft made of demineralized cortical bone and mineralized cancellous bone to create a natural biodegradable scaffold allowing for cellular ingrowth, revascularization, and new bone formation. The fiberFUSE Strip can be used in applications such as posterior lumbar, posterior cervical, and degenerative spinal procedures. Moreover, in February 2020, Onkos Surgical, a U.S. based medtech company launched its new magnesium bone scaffold, GenVie which is a moldable and injectable bone void filler to enable bone repair and regeneration.

Furthermore, the global biodegradable scaffold market is expected to show potential growth over the forecast period due to rising focus of market players in getting product approvals from regulatory authorities. For instance, in July 2020, Baxter, a U.S. based healthcare company received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for their product Altapore Shape Bioactive Bone Graft. Altapore Shape Bioactive Bone Graft can be used as a bone scaffold for stimulating the formation of new bone or to fill gaps in the skeletal system which are either surgically created or are due to a trauma to the bone. Altapore Shape Bioactive Bone Graft is biodegradable and is replaced with bone during the process of healing.

Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market: Restraints

Some disadvantages related to the use of biodegradable scaffold such as low stability and high cost of production may hamper growth of the global biodegradable scaffold market over the forecast period. For instance, according to an article published by the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine journal in May 2020, natural polymers such as gelatin, collagen, peptides, keratin, and others, which are used to make biodegradable scaffold are associated with limitations such as low stability, poor mechanical properties, brittleness, difficult processing methods, difficult control over rate of biodegradability, and others.

Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market: Regional Insights

North America is expected to hold largest market share in the global biodegradable scaffold market followed by Europe. Rising product launches and approvals will aid North America region and Europe region to maintain their position in the global biodegradable scaffold market. For instance, in May 2019, In2Bones Global, a U.S. based medical device company specializing in orthopaedics launched their sterile Tribio Backfill Plugs System. Tribio Backfill Plugs System is derived from bioactive materials such as collagen matrix mineralized with hydroxyapatite (HA), tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), and bioactive glass that help in forming a sponge-like biodegradable scaffold to aid in new bone formation during the whole process of healing.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness promising growth in the global biodegradable scaffold market over the forecast period, owing to rising investments in the field of biomedicine by government of Asia Pacific countries such as Japan, Korea, and others. For instance, according to an article published by the Korean Biomedical Review in August 2021, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea had announced an investment of US$67.3 million (79 billion won) in 2021, to support the expenses for regenerative medicine clinical trials, development of advanced medical technologies, and support for research-oriented medical institutions.

Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market: Competitive landscape

Key players operating in the global biodegradable scaffold market include Merck KGaA, 3D Biotek LLC, Medtronic, Xanofi, Akron Biotech, Nanofiber Solutions, Vericel Corporation, NuVasive, Inc., Organogenesis, Inc., Biostage, Inc., In2Bones Global, Orthofix Medical Inc., Spine Smith, Invivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., and Onkos Surgical

Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market: Taxonomy

By Product Type