Biodegradable Substances Utilized for Bone Defect RestorationIf you are interested in products related to the research phase in this field, please contact for further inquiries.
Bone repair and regeneration are critical processes in the field of orthopedics, essential for addressing bone defects caused by trauma, disease, or surgical intervention. Traditional methods, such as autologous bone grafting, have long been the standard of care but come with significant limitations, including donor site morbidity and limited availability. The advent of biodegradable materials and advanced fabrication techniques has opened new avenues for more effective and less invasive bone repair strategies. These innovations hold the promise of improving patient outcomes and reducing the economic burden associated with bone defect treatments.
Fig 1. The hierarchical structure and healing mechanism of human bone. (Wei S., et al., 2020) 
Polymers have been a cornerstone in the development of biodegradable materials for bone repair. Natural polymers such as chitosan, silk fibroin, and collagen offer biocompatibility and tunable degradation rates. Chitosan, derived from crustacean shells, is known for its antibacterial properties and ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Silk fibroin, obtained from silkworms, provides high mechanical strength and slow degradation rates, making it suitable for load-bearing applications. These polymers can be engineered into scaffolds that support bone tissue regeneration, offering a scaffold for new bone growth and a platform for cells and growth factors to function.
Ceramics, particularly hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), are widely used in bone tissue engineering due to their osteoconductivity and biocompatibility. HA, the primary inorganic component of bone, can directly bond with new bone tissue and promote regeneration. However, its slow degradation rate can hinder the repair process. Modifications, such as doping with ions like manganese or strontium, have been explored to enhance its properties. These doped ceramics can improve the mechanical and biological properties of bone grafts, making them more effective in bone defect repair.
Metals like magnesium and its alloys have emerged as promising candidates for bone repair due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties similar to natural bone. Magnesium degrades into non-toxic byproducts and can be engineered to match the mechanical properties of bone. However, controlling the degradation rate to match bone regeneration remains a challenge. Surface modifications and alloying with other metals have been explored to improve the biodegradability and mechanical strength of these materials.
Intelligent materials, such as self-assembling peptides and biohybrid materials, can respond to environmental stimuli and adapt their properties accordingly. These materials can "communicate" with the surrounding environment, integrating environmental stimuli and then responding to promote bone regeneration. For example, pH-sensitive peptides can self-assemble into hydrogels that promote bone regeneration in response to physiological pH changes.
Modular fabrication techniques allow for the assembly of these materials into complex structures that can simulate the dynamic microenvironment of bone regeneration. Modular fabrication involves connecting multiple appropriate intelligent materials through modular manufacturing and assembly, creating advanced bioactive scaffolds that can possess a suitable porous structure, transfer growth factors, promote cell migration and proliferation, and have suitable mechanical properties to cope with complex signals.
The future of bone repair lies in the innovative use of biodegradable materials and advanced fabrication techniques. From traditional polymers and ceramics to emerging intelligent materials and modular fabrication methods, researchers are continually exploring new ways to improve bone repair outcomes. As we look to the future, the integration of these technologies holds the promise of transforming the treatment of bone defects, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide. The development of materials that can adapt to the dynamic environment of bone regeneration and match the rate of bone growth will be key to realizing this potential.
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This article is for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
