Bioactive and Biodegradable Nanocomposites and Hybrid Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

Authors

Bedilu A. Allo, University of Western Ontario
Daniel O. Costa, University of Western Ontario
S. Jeffrey Dixon, University of Western OntarioFollow
Kibret Mequanint, University of Western Ontario
Amin S. Rizkalla, University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

6-20-2012

Journal

J. Funct. Biomater.

Volume

3

Issue

2

First Page

432

Last Page

463

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/3/2/432

Abstract

Strategies for bone tissue engineering and regeneration rely on bioactive scaffolds to mimic the natural extracellular matrix and act as templates onto which cells attach, multiply, migrate and function. Of particular interest are nanocomposites and organic-inorganic (O/I) hybrid biomaterials based on selective combinations of biodegradable polymers and bioactive inorganic materials. In this paper, we review the current state of bioactive and biodegradable nanocomposite and O/I hybrid biomaterials and their applications in bone regeneration. We focus specifically on nanocomposites based on nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass (BG) fillers in combination with biodegradable polyesters and their hybrid counterparts. Topics include 3D scaffold design, materials that are widely used in bone regeneration, and recent trends in next generation biomaterials. We conclude with a perspective on the future application of nanocomposites and O/I hybrid biomaterials for regeneration of bone.