Functional Composites for Bone Implants and Osseointegration

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Bone Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 8802

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail
Guest Editor
Division of Oral, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgery & Center for Research in Surgery and Morphology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
Interests: orthognathic surgery; TMJ replacement; facial cosmetic surgery; dental implants; orbit; personalized surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The evolution and technical support for reconstructive surgery of the maxillo-mandibular complex are at a high level. Rehabilitation under the functional and aesthetic criteria are common in our practice, demonstrating adaptability in complex scenarios.

New technology of biomaterials and the recent tools for diagnosis and planning are demanded by patients, making it necessary to perform an update of these concepts. The aim of this Special Issue is to collate high-quality evidence related to bone reconstruction in the facial skeleton and osseointegration at different levels, and understand the most appropriate relevant clinical practice.

In this Special Issue, scientists and physicians are invited to share the knowledgement about biomaterials and osseointegration, through basic method and clinical research, to update on the new material in the international network supported by the journal.

Dr. Sergio Olate
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • osseintegration
  • dental implants
  • reconstructive surgery
  • oral rehabilitation
  • maxillofacial surgery
  • bone graft

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 6217 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Surface Patterning and Photobiomodulation on the Osseointegration of Titanium Implants in Osteoporotic Long Bones: An In Vivo Study in Rats
by Theodor Popa, Mircea Negrutiu, Luciana Madalina Gherman, Alina Deniza Ciubean, Dan Ionut Cosma, Dan Gheban, Catalin Popa and Laszlo Irsay
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110346 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact of titanium surface patterning used in combination with photobiomodulation therapy on enhancing osseointegration in osteoporotic bone fractures. C.p. titanium implants were employed, half with an unmodified surface and half with a modified one, showing a nanostructured [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the impact of titanium surface patterning used in combination with photobiomodulation therapy on enhancing osseointegration in osteoporotic bone fractures. C.p. titanium implants were employed, half with an unmodified surface and half with a modified one, showing a nanostructured cellular surface. Surface patterning aimed to obtain a complex morphology designed for better osseointegration, using a selective anodization process after photoresist coating. A total of 52 rats were used, of which 4 were sacrificed 12 weeks after ovariectomy to evaluate bone density. A total of 48 rats received titanium implants in both tibiae and underwent surgery for implant placement and bone fracture. Half of the rats were subjected to photobiomodulation. The times of sacrifice were 2, 4, and 6 weeks after finalizing LASER therapy. The evaluation methods were micro-CT scanning, the mechanical pull-force test, and morphology. Mechanical tests revealed a significant difference in the surface-patterned titanium with the LASER group at 2 weeks, but not at 4 and 6 weeks. This group outperformed regular titanium and titanium/LASER groups. Micro-CT showed no significant differences, while the morphology indicated better bone quality at 4 weeks in all LASER-treated groups. The effect of surface patterning and photobiomodulation leads to better osseointegration, especially in the earlier stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composites for Bone Implants and Osseointegration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5577 KiB  
Article
Calcium Silicate Promoting the Upcycling Potential of Polysulfone Medical Waste in Load-Bearing Applications
by Chi-Nan Chang, Jia-Jia Chung, Huei-Yu Jiang and Shinn-Jyh Ding
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110323 - 30 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1063
Abstract
Polysulfone (PSF) medical waste can be effectively repurposed due to its excellent mechanical properties. Due to the increasing need for load-bearing bone implants, it is crucial to prioritize the development of biocompatible polymer–matrix composites. Calcium silicate (CaSi), known for its osteogenesis and antibacterial [...] Read more.
Polysulfone (PSF) medical waste can be effectively repurposed due to its excellent mechanical properties. Due to the increasing need for load-bearing bone implants, it is crucial to prioritize the development of biocompatible polymer–matrix composites. Calcium silicate (CaSi), known for its osteogenesis and antibacterial properties, is widely used in medical applications. In this study, recycled PSF plastics in fiber or nanoparticle forms and commercial PSF products were used to create PSF-based composites filled with three different amounts (10, 20, and 30 vol%) of CaSi. The green compact was heat-treated at various temperatures. Experimental results showed that the mechanical interlocking of the PSF matrix and CaSi filler occurred due to the liquefaction of PSF fibers or nanoparticles during heat treatment. When the composite contained 20% CaSi, the obtained three-point bending strength exceeded 60 MPa, falling within the reported strength of compact bone. There was a concurrent improvement in the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of the PSF-based composites with the increasing amount of CaSi. Considering their mechanical properties and antibacterial activity, the 20% CaSi-containing PSF-based composites treated at 240 °C emerged as a promising candidate for bone implant applications. This study demonstrated the feasibility of upcycling medical waste such as PSF as a matrix, opening doors for its potential usage in the medical field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composites for Bone Implants and Osseointegration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 13480 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Osteointegration in Hydroxyapatite and Hydroxyapatite-Titanium Implants: An In Vivo Rabbit Model Study
by Renata Maria Văruț, Luciana Teodora Rotaru, Flavius Nicușor Truicu, Cristina Elena Singer, Iliescu Iulian-Nicolae, Alin Iulian Silviu Popescu, Cristina Popescu, Cristina Teisanu, Gabriela Sima and Oana Elena Nicolaescu
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(7), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15070181 - 29 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
The study evaluates the osteointegration of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite-titanium (HApTi) biocomposites implanted in the femurs of rabbits. The biocomposites were fabricated using powder metallurgy and subjected to a two-step sintering process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the morphology, while [...] Read more.
The study evaluates the osteointegration of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite-titanium (HApTi) biocomposites implanted in the femurs of rabbits. The biocomposites were fabricated using powder metallurgy and subjected to a two-step sintering process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the morphology, while mesenchymal stem cells were cultured to assess cytotoxicity and proliferation. In vivo experiments involved the implantation of HAp in the left femur and HApTi in the right femur of twenty New Zealand white rabbits. Computed tomography (CT) scans, histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric analyses were performed to assess bone density and osteoblast activity. Results demonstrated that HApTi implants showed superior osteointegration, with higher peri-implant bone density and increased osteoblast count compared to HAp implants. This study concluded that HApTi biocomposites have potential for enhanced bone healing and stability in orthopedic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composites for Bone Implants and Osseointegration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3523 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Evaluation of Bioactive Collagen–Polyphenol Surface Nanolayers on Titanium Implants: An X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Bone Implant Study
by Marco Morra, Giorgio Iviglia, Clara Cassinelli, Maria Sartori, Luca Cavazza, Lucia Martini, Milena Fini and Gianluca Giavaresi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(7), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15070170 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1295
Abstract
To endow an implant surface with enhanced properties to ensure an appropriate seal with the host tissue for inflammation/infection resistance, next-generation bone implant collagen–polyphenol nanolayers were built on conventional titanium surfaces through a multilayer approach. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was performed to [...] Read more.
To endow an implant surface with enhanced properties to ensure an appropriate seal with the host tissue for inflammation/infection resistance, next-generation bone implant collagen–polyphenol nanolayers were built on conventional titanium surfaces through a multilayer approach. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was performed to investigate the chemical arrangement of molecules within the surface layer and to provide an estimate of their thickness. A short-term (2 and 4 weeks) in vivo test of bone implants in a healthy rabbit model was performed to check possible side effects of the soft surface layer on early phases of osteointegration, leading to secondary stability. Results show the building up of the different nanolayers on top of titanium, resulting in a final composite collagen–polyphenol surface and a layer thickness of about 10 nm. In vivo tests performed on machined and state-of-the-art microrough titanium implants do not show significant differences between coated and uncoated samples, as the surface microroughness remains the main driver of bone-to-implant contact. These results confirm that the surface nanolayer does not interfere with the onset and progression of implant osteointegration and prompt the green light for specific investigations of the potential merits of this bioactive coating as an enhancer of the device/tissue seal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composites for Bone Implants and Osseointegration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5139 KiB  
Article
Resorbable Patient-Specific Implants of Molybdenum for Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery—Proof of Concept in an In Vivo Pilot Study
by Dominik Thomas Hoppe, André Toschka, Nadia Karnatz, Henriette Louise Moellmann, Maximilian Seidl, Lutz van Meenen, Georg Poehle, Christian Redlich and Majeed Rana
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(5), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15050118 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1837
Abstract
Titanium continues to be the gold standard in the field of osteosynthesis materials. This also applies to pediatric craniofacial surgery. Various resorbable materials have already been developed in order to avoid costly and risky second operations to remove metal in children. However, none [...] Read more.
Titanium continues to be the gold standard in the field of osteosynthesis materials. This also applies to pediatric craniofacial surgery. Various resorbable materials have already been developed in order to avoid costly and risky second operations to remove metal in children. However, none of these resorbable materials have been able to completely replace the previous gold standard, titanium, in a satisfactory manner. This has led to the need for a new resorbable osteosynthesis material that fulfills the requirements for biocompatibility, stability, and uniform resorption. In our previous in vitro and in vivo work, we were able to show that molybdenum fulfills these requirements. To further confirm these results, we conducted a proof of concept in four domestic pigs, each of which was implanted with a resorbable molybdenum implant. The animals were then examined daily for local inflammatory parameters. After 54 days, the animals were euthanized with subsequent computer tomography imaging. We also removed the implants together with the surrounding tissue and parts of the spleen, liver, and kidney for histopathological evaluation. The molybdenum implants were also analyzed metallographically and using scanning electron microscopy. A blood sample was taken pre- and post-operatively. None of the animals showed clinical signs of inflammation over the entire test period. Histopathologically, good tissue compatibility was found. Early signs of degradation were observed after 54 days, which were not sufficient for major resorption. Resorption is expected with longer in situ residence times based on results of similar earlier investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composites for Bone Implants and Osseointegration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop