Chapter 13 - Invertebrate-derived bioceramics: An effective alternative source for biomedical applications

Abstract

In the past 50 years, the popularity of bioceramics increasing exponentially as a substitute for metal implants. Bioceramics are closely related to excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability, and wear resistance over metal implants. Generally, most conventional bioceramics are of synthetic origin. Among them, hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium phosphate, and silica-based bioglass (BG) have extensively promoted for regenerative medicine. However, the limited source of these ceramics makes them expensive and needs to follow tedious synthesis procedures. Hence, it is necessary to identify alternative sources for continued development in the future. Invertebrate is one such source, structured and composed of materials with broad-spectrum characteristics, which accounts for their prospective applications in biomedicine. Their superior appendages, secretions, and mineral deposits prove their biological effects, starting with the mantis shrimp’s saddle, the snail shell, the sea urchin spine, the endoskeleton of the cuttlefish, and the skeleton of the coral. The current chapter provides a comprehensive view of bioceramics from invertebrate sources, including their structure, morphology, and bone regeneration application. Besides, it also emphasizes the characteristics, separation, and extraction methods of invertebrate bioceramics.