Biodegradable Biomaterials for Orthopedic Applications
Summary
In recent decades, the development of biodegradable biomaterials for orthopaedic applications has sought to overcome the limitations of permanent implants by providing temporary structural support, promoting tissue regeneration and eliminating the need for secondary removal procedures. These materials encompass a diverse array of aliphatic polyesters such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid and their copolymers; bioceramics including calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses; as well as composite systems that integrate polymers with ceramics or metallic elements. Tailored degradation kinetics, mechanical properties matched to trabecular and cortical bone, and controlled bioactivity to guide osteoconduction are central design criteria. Contemporary research addresses immunomodulatory strategies to mitigate adverse reactions to acidic degradation products, advanced scaffold fabrication techniques such as additive manufacturing to recreate the macro- and micro-structure of cancellous bone, and the incorporation of nanoscale fillers to enhance mechanical strength and osteoinductive potential.
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Biodegradable Biomaterials for Orthopedic Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biodegradable biomaterials for orthopedic applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Biodegradable biomaterial: A material engineered to degrade within the body at a controlled rate, providing temporary support for tissue repair without requiring surgical removal.
Polylactic acid (PLA): A biodegradable aliphatic polyester commonly used in medical implants and scaffolds, known for its tunable mechanical properties and degradation behaviour.
Hydroxyapatite (HAp): A calcium phosphate ceramic analogous to bone mineral that promotes osteoconductivity and bioactivity when used as a scaffold filler.
Scaffold: A three-dimensional porous structure designed to support cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation, guiding the formation of new tissue.
Immunomodulation: The process by which a material influences the immune response, either suppressing or enhancing specific pathways to improve biocompatibility.
References
- Polylactide Degradation Activates Immune Cells by Metabolic Reprogramming. Advanced Science (2023).
- Cerium Oxide and Chondroitin Sulfate Doped Polyurethane Scaffold to Bridge Tendons. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2023).
- Comparative In Vitro Dissolution Assessment of Calcined and Uncalcined Hydroxyapatite Using Differences in Bioresorbability and Biomineralization. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
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