Injectable Organic-Inorganic Biocomposites for Bone Tissue Regeneration - A Mini Review

Abstract

Bone regeneration is complex physiological process, which include the most common form of regeneration - bone fracture healing and new bone formation. Moreover, large bone defects, infections and bone diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis can impair bone regeneration. Despite intensive research and development of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering, especially for osteoporotic bone healing, the properties of the fabricated biomaterials are still far from those of unique composite structure of natural bone and desired therapeutic effect not achieved. This mini-review will highlight the various cutting-edge injectable inorganic-organic biocomposites as minimally invasive and regenerative therapeutics for bone tissue regeneration. The review will summarize the main strategic tools for the development of injectable biocomposites: natural or synthetic biopolymer-based hydrogels, bioactive inorganic fillers and biologically active components, as well as the fabrication techniques and synthesis methods.