7. Conclusion

Our intimate understanding of embryogenesis and bone repair has enabled us to identify key cellular (MSCs) and molecular (BMPs) effectors for bone repair. The combination of these effectors with matrices enabling their delivery has given rise to a new generation of materials whose ambition is not only to repair the deficient mechanical function of bone tissue, but also to achieve its repair ad integrum. While these tissue-engineered products are likely to offer far superior therapeutic efficacy to conventional biomaterials in the long term, further development is still required to satisfactorily deliver their biological component. For example, optimal use of BMPs requires the development of carriers that allow both their confinement to the injured site and their delivery at effective doses for a sufficiently long time. Similarly, rational use of stem cells requires the development of materials...