Biological Properties of Calcium Phosphate Bioactive Glass Composite Bone Substitutes: Current Experimental Evidence

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020305 · Published: January 14, 2019

Simple Explanation

Bone defects are often treated with autologous bone, but this has limitations. Synthetic bone substitutes are being developed to reduce or replace the need for autologous bone. This review examines calcium phosphates (CaPs) and bioactive glasses (BGs), both used in bone substitutes, and whether combining them improves their properties. BGs seem to help precursor cells turn into bone cells in lab settings when added to CaPs. BGs also help CaP/BG composites integrate into bone in living organisms and can boost bone formation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Experimental study - in-vitro and in-vivo models

Evidence Level

Level 5 - Structured Review

Key Findings

1
BGs enhance osteogenic differentiation of precursor cells in vitro when added to CaPs, suggesting a synergistic effect.
2
The presence of BG supports the integration of CaP/BG composites into bone in vivo, indicating improved osseointegration.
3
Under certain circumstances, BG enhances bone formation in vivo, suggesting an osteostimulatory effect.

Research Summary

The review focuses on the biological properties of CaP/BG composite bone substitutes, summarizing recent experimental data to understand their osteogenic properties. BGs have limitations such as poor mechanical properties and pH changes, while CaPs have limited osteogenic differentiation and surface reactivity. Combining them aims to overcome these. BG addition generally has positive effects on cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation compared to pure CaP materials. In vivo, BG supports material integration and enhances bone formation.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Bone Regeneration

CaP/BG composites may offer superior bone regeneration compared to individual CaP or BG materials.

Tailored Bone Substitutes

The combination of CaPs and BGs allows for the creation of bone substitutes with tailored resorption and biological properties.

Improved Clinical Outcomes

The use of CaP/BG composites could lead to improved clinical outcomes in bone defect repair by promoting better osseointegration and bone formation.

Study Limitations

1
Heterogeneity in study designs makes direct comparison of results difficult.
2
Further research is needed on the interaction of osteoclasts with CaP/BG composites.
3
More studies are required to analyze the effects of composite materials on in-vivo resorption kinetics.

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