Osteoconductive Metallic Implants Using Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles

Abstract

Bone is a dynamic and highly vascularized connective tissue that has a unique capability of spontaneous regeneration and to remodel its micro- and macro-structure. The nano-hydroxyapatite has a nano-crystalline feature similar to the bone, thus being used as a bone substitute material. In the case of severe defects, bone would not heal by itself and grafting is required to restore function without damaging living tissues. Most commonly used prostheses material in orthopedics is 316L stainless steel (SS). Due to some problems in SS, various surface modification techniques have been developed to improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the metals.HA coatings have been extensively studied for the bioactive surface treatment of bio inert metals and ceramics due to its similarity with bone material. This article gives an overview of using hydroxyapatite in preparing osteoconductive metallic implants.