6 - Effects of nanomaterials on biodegradation of biomaterials

Abstract

Biodegradation is an important requirement for biomedical materials and tissue engineering, especially biomaterials made from polymers because they tend to grow high. It is advisable to ensure that the biodegradation rate matches the regeneration of new tissue or fully healed tissue at the defect site. It has been difficult to obtain a biomaterial with adequate biodegradation properties, which could be a great alternative to nondegradable materials that require another surgery for removal after use in the body. Studies have shown improved biodegradability properties for various biomaterials, particularly polymer matrices, by adding different ceramic or metal nanoparticles (NPs) as fillers in the polymer matrix. However, the effects of NPs on the general properties of these polymers are not fully understood. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the effects of NPs, including nanozinc oxide (nZnO), nanosilver (nAg), nanogold (nAu), carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), nanotitanium dioxide (nTiO2), and calcium phosphates (Ca-Ps) on the mechanical properties, biodegradation behavior, and cellular reaction of main biodegradable polymers. Recent advances in biodegradable materials, especially those made from polymers reinforced with the aforementioned ceramic and metallic nanomaterials, are reviewed, and the degradation rate based on a comprehensive literature review is discussed. Finally, perspectives and challenges to provide a roadmap for further progress and open opportunities for future research in this area are discussed. This further understanding is expected to drive advances in various fields of nanotechnology and materials science.