Calcium Orthophosphate-Containing Biocomposites and Hybrid Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The state-of-the-art on calcium orthophosphate (CaPO4)-containing biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials suitable for biomedical applications is presented. Since these types of biomaterials offer many significant and exciting possibilities for hard tissue regeneration, this subject belongs to a rapidly expanding area of biomedical research. Through the successful combinations of the desired properties of matrix materials with those of fillers (in such systems, CaPO4 might play either role), innovative bone graft biomaterials can be designed. Various types of CaPO4-based biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials those are either already in use or being investigated for biomedical applications are extensively discussed. Many different formulations in terms of the material constituents, fabrication technologies, structural and bioactive properties, as well as both in vitro and in vivo characteristics have been already proposed. Among the others, the nano-structurally controlled biocomposites, those containing nanodimensional compounds, biomimetically fabricated formulations with collagen, chitin and/or gelatin, as well as various functionally graded structures seem to be the most promising candidates for clinical applications. The specific advantages of using CaPO4-based biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials in the selected applications are highlighted. As the way from a laboratory to a hospital is a long one and the prospective biomedical candidates have to meet many different necessities, the critical issues and scientific challenges that require further research and development are also examined.

Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of B-tri-calcium phosphate/poly-3-hydroxybutyrate nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering application

“…-TCP [Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ] and HA [Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ] are similar to those found in human bone; therefore, they are the most commonly used ceramics in the biomedical elds [21,22]. Among these bioceramics, -TCP and -TCP have been widely used instead of apatites for hard tissue restoration due to their excellent tissue biocompatible, biodegradable, and osteoconductive characteristics [6,23]. For example, a biodegradable and osteoconductive biocomposite made of -TCP particles and gelatin was proposed [24].…”

“…For example, a biodegradable and osteoconductive biocomposite made of -TCP particles and gelatin was proposed [24]. This material was tested in vivo with good results without the need for a second surgical operation to remove the device after healing occurrence [6]. This property imparts signi cant advantage to -TCP compared to other bioceramics, which are not resorbed and replaced by newformed bone tissues [25].…”

“…Mechanical capability in order to enable mechanical strength in load bearing sites prior to reconstruction of new tissue; 5. Interconnected porous structure for cell in ltration, tissue ingrowth, and vascularization [6,26,27].…”

Healing of experimental femoral defects in rats after implantation of collagen-calcium phosphate biocomposites

“…Thanks to this, the biological compatibility of hydroxyapatite and other calcium phosphate osteoplastic materials with bone tissue is almost ideal and together with collagen they are able to undergo resorption without formation of by-products (Barinov & Komlev, 2005). Besides biocompatibility, calcium phosphate osteoplastic materials have inherent osteoconductive, osteostimulating and secondary osteoconductive variants of influence on reparative osteogenesis (Dorozhkin, 2015). In contrast, collagen exerts a haemostatic effect in the wound, which is caused by aggregation on its surface of platelets, promotes vascularisation of tissues and increases the proliferation of fibroblasts (Park & Bronzino, 2003).…”

Radio-Opaque Materials Based on Hydroxyapatite and Bismuth

“…The hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA), well known for its excellent bioactivity, biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, is one of the most important calcium phosphate based bioceramic materials with important applications in medicine and chemistry [1].…”