Advances in the use of calcium silicate-based materials in bone tissue engineering

Abstract

As the main means of treating bone defects, bone grafts are in high demand. Recently, the development of suitable bone graft replacement materials has received significant research attention because of the drawbacks of autologous and allogeneic bone grafts. The applications of ceramic bone graft materials, such as calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, and hydroxyapatite, are limited by various factors. Calcium silicate,a new bone graft material, exhibits high biocompatibility and osteoinductivity. This paper summarizes the main methods for synthesizing calcium silicate and compares their advantages and disadvantages in detail. The mechanical and antimicrobial properties of calcium silicate can be improved to fulfil the biological and mechanical requirements of bone graft materials by adding materials such as B2O3, SiO2, Ag, Zn, Ti, and chitosan. Recent research progress in calcium silicate ceramics in preliminary clinical applications as well as 3D printing applications is also reviewed, which provide the impetus for the clinical application of calcium silicate ceramics. Finally, the article suggests future directions for the development of calcium silicate-based materials and offer prospects for their application as bone repair and replacement materials.