Ion-doped Brushite Cements for Bone Regeneration

Decades of research in orthopaedics has culminated in the quest for formidable yet resorbable biomaterials using bioactive materials. Brushite cements most salient features embrace high biocompatibility,
bioresorbability, osteoconductivity, self-setting characteristics, handling, and injectability properties. Such
type of materials is also effectively applied as drug delivery systems. However, brushite cements possess limited mechanical strength and fast setting times. By means of incorporating bioactive ions, which
are incredibly promising in directing cell fate when incorporated within biomaterials, it can yield biomaterials with superior mechanical properties. Therefore, it is a key to develop fine-tuned regenerative
medicine therapeutics. A comprehensive overview of the current accomplishments of ion-doped brushite
cements for bone tissue repair and regeneration is provided herein. The role of ionic substitution on
the cements physicochemical properties, such as structural, setting time, hydration products, injectability,
mechanical behaviour and ion release is discussed. Cell-material interactions, osteogenesis, angiogenesis,
and antibacterial activity of the ion-doped cements, as well as its potential use as drug delivery carriers
are also presented.