Abstract
- Calcium phosphates have long been used as synthetic
bone grafts. Recent studies have shown that the modulation
of composition and textural properties, such as
nano-, micro- and macro-porosity, is a powerful strategy
to control and synchronize material resorption and bone
formation.
- Biomimetic calcium phosphates, which closely mimic
the composition and structure of bone mineral, can be
produced using low-temperature processing routes, and
offer the possibility to modulate the material properties to
a larger extent than conventional high temperature sintering
processes.
- Advanced technologies open up new possibilities in the
design of bioceramics for bone regeneration; 3D-printing
technologies, in combination with the development of
hybrid materials with enhanced mechanical properties,
supported by finite element modelling tools, are expected
to enable the design and fabrication of mechanically competent
patient-specific bone grafts.
- The association of ions, drugs and cells allows leveraging
of the osteogenic potential of bioceramic scaffolds in
compromised clinical situations, where the intrinsic bone
regeneration potential is impaired.
