Avian eggshell membrane proteins in bone remodeling and regeneration: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Abstract

The need for efficient biomaterials that can promote bone regeneration is driven by the fact that bone defects incurred by illness, trauma, or ageing continue to be a significant clinical challenge. Recently, the avian eggshell membrane (ESM) has drawn interest as a protein-rich, sustainable biomaterial for bone restoration. ESM, which is made up of more than 470 proteins, such as collagens, defensins, serpins, histones, and zinc finger proteins, mimics the extracellular matrix and controls cellular processes that are necessary for osteogenesis. Several of these proteins can stimulate pathways that support osteoblast differentiation, matrix formation, and mineralization, whereas the roles of others remain hypothetical and require experimental validation. ESM can be incorporated into immunomodulatory and osteoinductive constructs using bioengineering techniques. In addition to its biological effectiveness, ESM presents a circular bioeconomy model, turning natural waste into a valuable regenerative resource. Using proteins derived from ESM presents a viable, environmental friendly approach to clinical bone defect repair and advanced bone tissue engineering.