Biomaterials

Biomaterials are engineered substances—metallic, ceramic, polymeric or composite—designed to interface with living tissues for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. They may replace structural components (for example hip or dental implants), deliver bioactive agents (for instance in drug-eluting stents or controlled-release capsules), or guide tissue repair and regeneration (as in scaffolds for bone or cartilage). Critical parameters include mechanical resilience, chemical stability in bodily fluids, biocompatibility to avoid inflammation or toxicity, and, where required, controlled biodegradation. Advances in additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing) now allow custom-fitted prostheses and patient-specific scaffolds. At the nanoscale, particulate carriers and surface coatings confer targeted delivery, antimicrobial action and enhanced cell adhesion. Together, these innovations have extended biomaterials from passive implants toward active devices that signal to cells, recruit progenitors and promote functional restoration of damaged organs.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Redefined ion association constants have revealed that, at physiological pH, neutral calcium-hydrogen-phosphate species dominate early nucleation pathways, challenging long-held assumptions about phosphate association in solution. This correction refines models of amorphous calcium phosphate precursor formation and guides the design of biomimetic mineral-forming materials. In parallel, studies of divalent metal cations have uncovered a sensory circuit—“skeleton interoception”—in which macrophage-derived prostaglandin E₂ activates nerve fibres to modulate sympathetic tone and drive new bone formation. This neuro-immune mechanism opens routes to cation-releasing implants that harness both immune and neural pathways to enhance osteogenesis.

Research from all publishers

Investigations into sustainability have demonstrated that three-dimensional printed polylactic acid Petri dishes can meet international laboratory standards for transparency, sterility and mechanical integrity. These compostable plastics offer a viable alternative to conventional single-use labware, reducing scientific plastic waste without compromising performance. In tissue engineering, the integration of strontium-enriched amorphous calcium phosphate granules into collagen–magnesium-hydroxyapatite scaffolds has been shown to accelerate subchondral bone repair in large-animal models. By tuning ionic release profiles and scaffold architecture, these composites promote osteogenic differentiation and bone volume restoration under weight-bearing conditions. Meanwhile, a bioinspired injectable polyurethane adhesive has achieved rapid underwater bonding and robust haemostasis via isocyanate-mediated crosslinking. This solvent-free system demonstrates high bonding strength in challenging wound environments and may serve as a versatile sealant in emergency and surgical settings.

Biomaterials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biomaterials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Biocompatibility: The property of a material to perform its intended function without eliciting adverse local or systemic reactions.

Osseointegration: The direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of an implant.

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP): A non-crystalline precursor phase that transforms into hydroxyapatite during biomineralization.

Skeleton interoception: A neuro-immune circuit in which macrophage signals engage sensory nerves to regulate bone formation.

Three-dimensional printing: An additive manufacturing process that creates objects layer by layer from digital models, enabling patient-specific implants and scaffolds.

References

1. Redefined ion association constants have consequences for calcium phosphate nucleation and biomineralization. Nature Communications (2024).
2. Divalent metal cations stimulate skeleton interoception for new bone formation in mouse injury models. Nature Communications (2022).
3. Assessing the viability of 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) petri dishes: A sustainable alternative for laboratory use. Sustainable Materials and Technologies (2024).
4. Incorporating strontium enriched amorphous calcium phosphate granules in collagen/collagen-magnesium-hydroxyapatite osteochondral scaffolds improves subchondral bone repair. Materials Today Bio (2024).
5. Bioinspired Injectable Polyurethane Underwater Adhesive with Fast Bonding and Hemostatic Properties. Advanced Science (2024).