Research Trends and Advanced Applications of Gelatin in Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Combined Bibliometric and Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cartilage tissue has a limited capacity for self-repair, making its regeneration a persistent challenge in orthopaedics. This has stimulated the development of tissue engineering strategies based on biomaterials. Gelatin, a collagen-derived biological macromolecule, has attracted considerable interest due to its excellent biocompatibility, tunable properties, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking characteristics. However, a systematic analysis of research trends in this field is currently lacking to guide future developments. This study employed bibliometric methods to quantitatively analyse 1,276 publications from the Web of Science database between 2005 and 2025. Using tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix, we mapped the technological evolution and collaborative networks in gelatin-based cartilage tissue engineering. Our analysis identified three distinct developmental phases: foundational material development (2005–2012), stem cell regulation research (2013–2020), and the emergence of smart-responsive 4D bioprinting technologies (2021–2025). Four core research clusters were recognised: the evolution of biomaterials from static to smart-responsive systems, advanced control of stem cell microenvironments, innovations in spatiotemporal growth factor delivery, and the integration of 3D/4D printing technologies. Notably, "stem cell differentiation" consistently emerged as a key driving theme. Although China led in publication output (478 articles), its academic impact, measured by citation rates, lagged behind that of the Netherlands and the United States, indicating a "quantity-over-quality" imbalance. Beyond presenting objective bibliometric data, this study provides an in-depth technical review of current research advances. We systematically examined cutting-edge directions such as smart-responsive hydrogels, stem cell fate regulation, programmable drug delivery systems, and advanced bioprinting, highlighting a paradigm shift from passive support to active modulation in gelatin-based strategies. Considering the challenges in clinical translation, we propose strategic recommendations including standardised evaluation frameworks, complementary China–Europe collaboration models, and enhanced industry–academia–research synergy. These data-driven insights offer a scientific basis for resource allocation and technology roadmap planning, contributing to a shift in cartilage repair research from an "experience-driven" to a "data-informed" paradigm. This work establishes a systematic framework to advance translatable cartilage repair strategies.