Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of mesenchymal stem cells in relation to bone regeneration from 2005 to 2024. The objective is to identify emerging research hotspots and elucidate collaborative networks within the field. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection on April 20, 2025. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses assessed publication trends, funding sources, journals, authors, institutions, and countries. Visualization and mapping of keywords, collaborations, and co-citation patterns were performed using CiteSpace and Bibliometrix. RESULTS: A total of 9441 articles were published from 2005 to 2024. Leading journals included Biomaterials, Acta Biomaterialia, and Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. Liu Y emerged as the most prolific author with 167 publications and 5720 citations. China, along with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, ranked first in both national and institutional output. Core collaborations were observed between China, the USA, South Korea, and Germany. Prominent keywords included "osteogenic differentiation," "mesenchymal stem cells," "bone regeneration," "in vitro," and "scaffolds." CONCLUSION: This study offers a systematic analysis of the literature on mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration. Biomaterials is identified as the most influential journal in this field, with China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Liu Y leading the research output. Key research hotspots include bone healing, bone metabolism, nanomaterials, and dynamics, while cutting-edge areas such as mitochondrial function, miR-21-5p, cellular senescence, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and 3D printing are emerging as significant research directions.