The treatment of large jaw bone defects remains an urgent clinical problem to be solved. With the development of biomaterials, stem cells and bone tissue engineering, new ideas and hopes for the regeneration of jaw have been offered. In addition to meeting the basic requirements of bone repair materials, scaffolds for the regeneration of large jaw bones require the ability of stem cells to participate in bone regeneration. Methods like optimization of scaffolds composition, design of porous structure and combination of gel and microsphere technology can enhance stem cell delivery in vivo, and the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells can be stimulated through controlled release of drugs, preparation of surface micron/nano topography and modifications of ionic components. Moreover, application of three-dimensional printing and channel structure in large-scale scaffolds fabrication present promising strategies for customized, accurate bone reconstruction and vascularization. It is only through synergistic optimization in all aspects that it is possible to obtain scaffold materials suitable for regeneration of large jaw bones. This article focuses on biological materials regulation, stem cell delivery, survival and differentiation, and their role in bone regeneration.

Stem cells; Biocompatible materials; Tissue engineering; Regenerative medicine