Nanotechnology for bone materials

Abstract

It has been established that for orthopedic-related research, nanomaterials (materials defined as those with constituent dimensions less than 100 nm in at least one direction) have superior properties compared to conventional counterparts. This review summarizes studies that have demonstrated enhanced in vitro and in vivo osteoblast (bone-forming cells) functions (such as adhesion, proliferation, synthesis of bone-related proteins, and deposition of calcium-containing mineral) on nanostructured metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites thereof compared to currently used implants. These results strongly imply that nanomaterials may improve osseointegration, which is crucial for long-term implant efficacy. This review also focuses on novel drug-carrying magnetic nanoparticles designed to treat various bone diseases (such as osteoporosis). Although further investigation of the in vivo responses and toxicity of these novel nanomaterials pertinent for orthopedic applications are needed, nanotechnology clearly has already demonstrated the ability to produce better bone implants and therefore should be further investigated.

Perturbation of physiological systems by nanoparticles

“…Osseous tissue includes an organic matrix such as collagen and complex minerals including calcium, phosphate, carbonate, citrate, hydroxyl, and sodium. Concerns regarding nanotoxicity to bone tissue have been raised due to the increased exposure of humans to nanoparticles and to the application of nanomedicine to the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, 359,360 bone fractures, 361,362 and other bone disorders 361 and in dentistry. 363,364 In these applications, nanoparticles replace directly natural bone tissue or are remineralized and resorbed into bones to facilitate bone growth or recovery.…”

The development of non-viral gene-activated matrices for bone regeneration using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and collagen-based scaffolds

“…Bone is comprised of approximately 70% nano-hydroxyapatite (nHa) which makes nHa another logical inclusion in a scaffold designed for bone tissue engineering. The beneficial effects of nHa incorporation include improved osteointegration, increased mechanical properties and enhanced cell function [39][40][41]. In addition, the excellent capacity of these scaffolds to repair and regenerate bone defects has been exhibited in a number of in vivo models [41][42][43].…”

Structure and biological activity of glasses and ceramics

“…What is clear, however, is that these are associated with the surface structure and chemistry of the biomaterial. It is known, for example, that these features, at the macro-and micro-scales, can have a strong influence on cell behaviour [52], and this point is underlined to a large extent by the observation that nanophase materials seem to offer enhanced bioactivity, at least to the extent of increased osteoblast adhesion [53][54][55][56]. The interaction between cells and surfaces has been reviewed recently by Anselme et al [57].…”