Bioceramics Functionalization for Tissue Regeneration

Bioceramics, natural and synthetic, are designed to induce a strong bonding to bone and appeared as an alternative to metallic implants. Bioceramic materials currently used for the repair and reconstruction of hard and soft tissues can be categorized according its composition, structure, and properties. These ceramic materials have been developed for orthopedic load-bearing coatings (hip acetabular cups), bone grafts and cements, and dental implants.¹ Bioceramics are characterized by their excellent biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, corrosion resistance, and a hard brittle surface. Weaknesses of bioceramics include poor fracture toughness, brittleness, very low elasticity and extremely high stiffness.² In general, bioceramics are grouped in bioinert ceramics as alumina and zirconia, bioactive glasses and glass ceramics, and bioresorbable calcium phosphates-based materials. Many studies have been dedicated to functionalize bioceramic materials through the modification of its composition, structure, and properties, in order to solve specific problems in diverse fields of TE.³ For example, the incorporation of different ions existing in bone (e.g. strontium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, silicon) into calcium phosphates structure showed an ionic released during bone graft resorption, and hence an influence in bone health and enhanced biocompatibility, while strengthening the mechanical properties of the implants.⁴ Besides, minerals and traces of metal elements may provide physicochemical modifications in the produced materials, which can accelerate bone formation and resorption in vivo.⁴ In this study, we aim to evaluate the calcium phosphates functionalization doped with different ions, namely related to their physicochemical and biological properties, for bone tissue engineering and regeneration.