Search Results (572)

New nano-biomaterials for specific dentistry applications have been developed thanks to contributions from materials science. The present work aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of a composite nanomaterial scaffold in block form for maxillofacial bone regeneration applications. The scaffold was composed of block-shaped elements and consisted of a mixture of nano-hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, and type I collagen of bovine origin. Collagen I molecule is biodegradable, biocompatible, easily available, and a natural bone matrix component. The biomaterial was analyzed using a range of methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemical composition microanalysis, and X-Ray diffractometry (XRD). The wettability was measured. This was carried out by measuring the contact angle of a 0.9% NaCl solution on the surface. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure the phase transformation temperatures. In the SEM and TEM analyses, it was possible to identify the layers of the materials and, with microanalysis, quantify their chemical composition. The XRD spectra showed the presence of nano-hydroxyapatite and ß-TCP. Wettability testing revealed that the material is highly hydrophilic, and BM-MSC culture analyses demonstrated that the biomaterial can promotes cell adhesion and interaction. The higher wettability is due to the higher density of the porous material observed in the SEM analysis. The results of the DSC testing showed that the sample analyzed undergoes endothermic transitions and transformation between 25 and 150 °C. The first phase transformation during heating occurs at 61.1 °C, which is above body temperature. The findings demonstrated that the composite was devoid of any contamination arising from manufacturing processes. It can be concluded that the n-HA/β-TCP and type 1 collagen are free of manufacturing contaminants. They also have high wettability, which increases the spreading of body fluids on the biomaterial’s surface and its interactions with cells and proteins. This makes them suitable for clinical application. Full article

The human body’s ability to recover from bone injuries is remarkable; however, in specific conditions, interventions are required to restore function and prevent complications. To accelerate osteogenesis, several strategies have been explored, including grafts, biomaterials, and adjuvant therapies. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the preclinical evidence regarding the combination of particulate biomaterials and fibrin derivatives for bone regeneration. Publications using hydroxyapatite, bovine bone, β-tricalcium phosphate, and bioglass in association with fibrin glue, heterologous fibrin sealants, or platelet-rich fibrin were examined to identify recurrent experimental patterns and biological outcomes. According to the studies, hydroxyapatite and bovine bone were the most frequently investigated scaffolds, whereas fibrin glue and heterologous fibrin sealants showed consistent adhesion and favorable host response profiles in animal models. β-tricalcium phosphate demonstrated faster remodeling but lower volumetric stability, and bioglass showed high bioactivity in isolated reports. Despite heterogeneity in particle size, fibrin formulations, defect models, and follow-up periods, most studies reported enhanced bone deposition, vascularization, and integration when particulate biomaterials were combined with fibrin-based matrices. Overall, the evidence suggests that these combinations promote more organized and biologically favorable bone healing under experimental conditions. Future translational and clinical research is required to standardize protocols and determine the therapeutic applicability of these strategies in human bone repair. Full article

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioceramics, available as α- and β-polymorphs, are frequently employed in the production of three-dimensionally (3D) printed bone scaffolds. Although hydrothermal immersion processing (HP) and sintering (S) are commonly adopted as post-printing techniques for bioceramics, a comprehensive comparative analysis of their effects on the osteogenic performance of α- and β-polymorphs in vivo remains inadequately investigated. In this study, α-TCP and β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated via direct ink writing and subjected to hydrothermal immersion processing (α-TCP/HP) and sintering (β-TCP/S) prior to implantation in n = 12 skeletally mature sheep (n = 1 scaffold per group per animal), and the outcome variables were evaluated at 3 and 12 weeks postoperatively (n = 6 sheep per time point). The quantitative results showed no significant differences in bone deposition or scaffold resorption at 3 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.618 and p = 0.898, respectively). However, at 12 weeks, there was a significant increase in osteogenesis and scaffold resorption in the β-TCP/S cohort relative to the α-TCP/HP counterparts (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). β-TCP scaffolds subjected to post-print sintering exhibited superior osteoconductive and resorptive profiles compared to hydrothermal immersion-processed α-TCP scaffolds over the 12-week healing period. Full article

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—the most abundant catechin in green tea—is a promising component of advanced composite biomaterials. The pharmacological activity of EGCG is typically attenuated upon thermal processing, although the exact effects of heating free and modified EGCG in air and vacuum are unknown. To bridge this gap, we herein examined the effects of heating free and modified (in gelatin containing beta-tricalcium phosphate granules) EGCG in vacuum and air (100–220 °C, 1–16 h) on its physicochemical and antioxidant properties using water and ethanol solubility measurements, discoloration and antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of EGCG-modified gelatin sponges was assessed in vitro using the DPPH assay and in vivo using a calvarial bone defect model in eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats. Free and modified EGCG showed antioxidant activities, which were largely retained after heating in vacuum at 150 °C. These findings show that appropriate heating procedures preserve the antioxidant activity of EGCG and provide insights for the development of EGCG-based biomaterials. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a key staple crop in the Peruvian Andes, but its productivity is threatened by fungal pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria alternata. In this study, 71 native bacterial strains (39 from phyllosphere and 32 from rhizosphere) were isolated from potato plants across five agroecological zones of Peru and characterized for their plant growth-promoting (PGPR) and antagonistic traits. Actinomycetes demonstrated broader enzymatic profiles, with 2ACPP4 and 2ACPP8 showing high proteolytic (68.4%, 63.4%), lipolytic (59.5%, 60.6%), chitinolytic (32.7%, 35.5%) and amylolytic activity (76.3%, 71.5%). Strain 5ACPP5 (Streptomyces decoyicus) produced 42.8% chitinase and solubilized both dicalcium (120.6%) and tricalcium phosphate (122.3%). The highest IAA production was recorded in Bacillus strain 2BPP8 (95.4 µg/mL), while 5ACPP6 was the highest among Actinomycetes (83.4 µg/mL). Siderophore production was highest in 5ACPP5 (412.4%) and 2ACPP4 (406.8%). In vitro antagonism assays showed that 5ACPP5 inhibited R. solani and A. alternata by 86.4% and 68.9%, respectively, while Bacillus strain BPP4 reached 51.0% inhibition against A. alternata. In greenhouse trials, strain 4BPP8 significantly increased fresh tuber weight (11.91 g), while 5ACPP5 enhanced root biomass and reduced stem canker severity. Molecular identification confirmed BPP4 as Bacillus halotolerans and 5ACPP5 as Streptomyces decoyicus. These strains represent promising candidates for the development of bioinoculants for sustainable potato cultivation in Andean systems. Full article

Tooth extraction induces changes in both hard and soft tissues, which may compromise implant placement. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is used to promote tissue healing, either alone or in combination with other grafting materials. Objective: This study aimed to compare post-extraction socket healing using L-PRF alone or combined with a biphasic calcium phosphate graft (HA/β-TCP) after eight weeks. Materials and Methods: 15 patients, both sexes, mean age 56.7 ± 8.2 years, requiring alveolar ridge preservation after single-rooted tooth extraction for subsequent implant placement, were included. Sockets were randomly assigned to four groups: control with blood clot only (CTR), autogenous bone graft (AB), L-PRF membrane (LPRF), and L-PRF combined with HA/β-TCP (LPRFHA). The protocol consisted of tooth extraction and immediate graft placement, followed by bone biopsy at 8 weeks for histomorphometric analysis and implant installation. New Bone Formation (NBF) was quantified from ten photomicrographs per sample using ImageJ software (version 1.54, 5 February 2025). One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests was applied, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A significant difference in NBF (%) was observed between the control and LPRFHA groups (p = 0.014), with greater bone formation in the control group (62.4 ± 18.6%) compared with LPRFHA (55.8 ± 17.2%; p = 0.012). No significant differences were found among AB, LPRF, and LPRFHA groups. LPRF and AB showed comparable bone formation (60.2 ± 17.5% and 60.1 ± 20.0%, respectively). Conclusions: L-PRF, either alone or combined with HA/β-TCP, can be used for alveolar ridge preservation in maxillary sockets. L-PRF, alone or with synthetic HA/β-TCP graft, effectively preserves the anterior maxillary ridge for early loading at eight weeks. All treatments achieved bone formation for implant placement, with the blood clot alone showing superior results. Full article

Metallic implants used in orthopedics, such as titanium alloys, possess excellent mechanical strength but suffer from corrosion and poor bio-integration, often necessitating revision surgeries. Bioactive coatings, particularly hydroxyapatite, can enhance implant osteoconductivity, but high-purity synthetic hydroxyapatite is costly. This study investigates the development and characterization of a low-cost, biocompatible coating using hydroxyapatite derived from an unconventional natural source dromedary bone applied onto a titanium substrate via plasma spraying. Hydroxyapatite powder was synthesized from dromedary femurs through a thermal treatment process at 1000 °C. The resulting powder was then deposited onto a sandblasted titanium dioxide substrate using an atmospheric plasma spray technique. The physicochemical, structural, and morphological properties of both the source powder and the final coating were comprehensively analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Characterization of the powder confirmed the successful synthesis of pure, crystalline hydroxyapatite, with Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis verifying the complete removal of organic matter. The plasma-sprayed coating exhibited good adhesion and a homogenous, lamellar microstructure typical of thermal spray processes, with an average thickness of approximately 95 μm. X-ray Diffraction analysis of the coating revealed that while hydroxyapatite remained the primary phase, partial decomposition occurred during spraying, leading to the formation of secondary phases, including tricalcium phosphate and calcium oxide. Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging showed a porous surface composed of fully and partially melted particles, a feature potentially beneficial for bone integration. The findings demonstrate that dromedary bone is a viable and low-cost precursor for producing bioactive hydroxyapatite coatings for orthopedic implants. The plasma spray method successfully creates a well-adhered, porous coating, though process-induced phase changes must be considered for biomedical applications. Full article

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) and biomaterials, such as mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), are critical for bone tissue engineering. This study aimed to 3D-print CPC scaffolds modified with MBG to enhance their osteogenic potential and regenerative ability. MBG powder was synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption techniques. A commercial CPC ink (hydroxyapatite/α-tricalcium phosphate) was mixed with 5% MBG (w/w; CPC/MBG), and, after rheological assessment, the mixture was used to obtain scaffolds via 3D printing. These scaffolds were then tested for chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as ion release analysis. Unmodified CPC 3D-printed scaffolds served as controls. Biological experiments, including cell viability, DNA content, cell adhesion/spreading, and osteogenic gene expression, were performed by seeding alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells onto the scaffolds. Statistics were performed using Student’s t-test and ANOVA with post hoc tests (α = 5%). MBG characterization showed a typical mesoporous structure with aligned microchannels and an amorphous structure. Both formulations released calcium and phosphate ions; however, CPC/MBG also released silicon. Cell viability, adhesion/spreading, and DNA content were significantly greater in CPC/MBG scaffolds compared to CPC (p < 0.05) after 3 and 7 days of culture. Furthermore, CPC/MBG supported increased expression of key osteogenic genes, including collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin (OCN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), after 14 days (p < 0.05). The combination of CPC ink with MBG particles effectively enhances the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of the scaffold, making it an innovative bioceramic ink formulation for 3D printing personalized scaffolds for bone regeneration. Full article

Bone graft materials frequently employed in dental implant placement procedures, including hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), are typically granular in form, which complicates their manipulation and contributes to extended treatment durations. A tissue engineering approach utilizing readily manageable biomaterials in conjunction with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents the most promising approach in dentistry. This study assessed the bone-augmenting capacity at bone defect sites in inbred rats by seeding dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells onto a cotton-like bone graft scaffold composed of β-TCP and poly(L-lactic-co- glycolide) (PLGA), which was subsequently wrapped around titanium. As a control, cotton-like bone graft material without cells was used and wrapped around and transplanted. Four weeks post-implantation, computed tomography (CT) images of the DFAT group revealed a 1.25-fold enhancement in hard tissue formation compared to the control group. Histological analysis revealed compact structure in a dark red color surrounding the cotton-like bone graft material was observed on the titanium surface of DFAT group. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the amount of hard tissue generated in the DFAT group was approximately 2.5 times higher than that observed in the control group. Moreover, this mineralized tissue demonstrated properties analogous to those observed in cortical bone. Collectively, these findings indicate that the composite of DFAT cells and cotton-like bone graft material holds potential for bone augmentation applications and represents a promising approach for regenerative therapies within the orofacial region. Full article

In this research, aluminium-doped biphasic calcium phosphate (Al-BCP) was synthesized by co-precipitation and formulated with hydrolyzed collagen and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to yield composites designed as a new class of bone-regenerative biomaterials with enhanced biological performance. Undoped and Al-modified powders (5/10 wt% Al precursor) were prepared at 40 °C (pH ~ 11) and calcined at 700 °C, and composites were produced at a 1:1:0.1 mass ratio (ceramic–collagen–ASA). Structure and chemistry were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Morphology and elemental distribution were examined by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Biological performance was preliminarily evaluated using HaCaT (immortalized human keratinocytes) viability and antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. XRD confirmed a biphasic hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate system and showed that Al incorporation shifted the phase balance toward hydroxyapatite (HAp fraction 54.8% in BCP vs. ~68.6–68.7% in Al-doped samples). FTIR/Raman preserved BCP vibrational signatures and revealed collagen/ASA bands in the composites. XPS/EDX verified the expected composition, including surface N 1s from organics and Al at ~2–5 at% for doped samples, with surface Ca/P ≈ 1.15–1.16. SEM revealed multigranular microstructures with homogeneous Al distribution. All composites were non-cytotoxic (≥70% viability); M_Al10_Col_ASA exceeded 90% viability at 12.5% dilution. Preliminary antibacterial assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains showed modest, time-dependent reductions in CFU relative to controls. These results corroborate the compositional/structural profile and preliminary biological performance of Al-BCP–collagen–ASA composites as multifunctional bone tissue engineering materials that foster a bone-friendly microenvironment, warranting further evaluation for bone regeneration. Full article

Bone cements based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) remain the clinical standard for joint replacement and vertebral augmentation but suffer from several major challenges. These include excessive stiffness compared with cancellous bone, lack of resorption and osteoconductivity, and thermal necrosis during curing. Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are bioactive and resorbable but tend to exhibit low mechanical strength, poor injectability and brittle fracture. The work reported herein developed an injectable composite bone cement by combining spherical, porous, sintered β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) particles with a cyanoacrylate adhesive. The β-TCP granules provided bioactivity and a favorable microarchitecture while the cyanoacrylate ensured strong adhesion and rapid setting. Ion substitution with Mg, Na and Si was found to modify the surface acidity of the material while also inhibiting cyanoacrylate polymerization, thereby extending the setting time and lowering the exotherm temperature. This composite exhibited high chemical stability, smooth injectability and early surface reactivity indicative of osteoconductivity. The compressive strength of the material stabilized at approximately 40 MPa and so exceeded that of cancellous bone. This new material also showed ductility, energy absorption and superior impact resistance, although its tensile and fatigue resistance remained limited. Importantly, the composite provided strength comparable to that of PMMA in cemented models during fixation tests and significantly outperformed CPCs in cementless tibial tray fixation experiments. These findings demonstrate that the present β-TCP/cyanoacrylate cement bridges the gap between PMMA and CPCs by combining injectability and mechanical reliability with bioactivity. This cement is therefore a promising next-generation option for minimally invasive osteoporotic fracture treatment and revision arthroplasty. Full article

The repair of large segmental bone defects remains a major clinical challenge. Traditional bone repair materials often suffer from mismatched degradation rates, insufficient mechanical strength, or limited bioactivity. Biodegradable zinc alloys have emerged as potential alternatives due to their suitable degradation rate and good biocompatibility, though their bioactivity requires further enhancement. In this study, a zinc phosphate (ZnP) coating was applied on the surface of zinc–copper (Zn–Cu) alloy via a phosphate chemical conversion method, and the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and osteogenic properties of the coating were systematically evaluated. Results showed that the ZnP coating prepared at pH = 2.5 exhibited a dense structure and high crystallinity, reducing the corrosion rate to 0.010 μm/year and increasing the ultimate tensile strength to 117.03 ± 0.78 MPa, significantly improving the wear and corrosion resistance of the alloy. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the material markedly promoted new bone formation and osseointegration. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) revealed that key indicators such as bone volume fraction (approximately 50.26%) and trabecular number (approximately 161.31/mm³) were superior to those of the β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) group and the control group. Histological analysis confirmed its excellent osteogenic activity and mineralization capacity. Biosafety assessments indicated no systemic toxic reactions. The ZnP-coated Zn-1Cu alloy showed promising application in treatment of bone defect. Full article

Background: Alveolar bone resorption remains a major challenge in implant and prosthetic rehabilitation. While autologous bone grafts are still considered the gold standard, their biological and surgical limitations have promoted the use of synthetic biomaterials such as biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, and bioactive glass. Methods: This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, was based on a comprehensive search performed in March 2025 across PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar. A total of 11 clinical studies—including both randomized and non-randomized comparative trials—were identified. Due to the marked heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, meta-analysis was not feasible. Reported outcomes focused on bone volume preservation, residual biomaterial, implant stability, histological integration, and postoperative complications. Results: Overall, synthetic biomaterials achieved satisfactory bone regeneration and implant stability, with mean bone preservation ranging between 85% and 95%, often comparable to xenografts and other grafting materials. Among the materials analyzed, β-TCP and BCP generally demonstrated superior resorption control and dimensional stability, while bioactive glass showed favorable integration and remodeling rates. The addition of bioactive agents such as rhBMP-2, rhPDGF-BB, or platelet-rich plasma further enhanced new bone formation. Conclusions: Within the limits of current evidence, synthetic biomaterials show clinical performance comparable to xenografts, particularly in socket preservation and ridge augmentation procedures. Their predictable handling, absence of donor-site morbidity, and potential for bioactive enhancement make them valuable tools for routine clinical use. Larger, standardized trials with long-term follow-up are needed to validate these findings and refine material selection in alveolar bone regeneration. Full article

In this work, we developed and characterized a hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic coating derived from Ucides cordatus crab-shell waste and applied it onto Ti–Al–V titanium substrates for biomedical use. Substrate analysis confirmed an α + β two-phase microstructure and Rockwell C hardness of ~35 HRC; optical emission spectrometry indicated a non-conforming Ti–6Al–4V composition (Al slightly above and V slightly below ASTM F136-18 limits), with expected α-phase predominance. Aqueous synthesis of biogenic HA used CaO (from 800 °C calcined shells) reacted with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂), followed by deposition onto Ti–Al–V surfaces prepared with or without a thermochemical treatment that homogenized roughness (Ra ≈ 0.587 µm). The coatings were continuous, ~95–98 µm thick, and showed good qualitative adhesion. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed porous, nanocrystalline, acicular morphologies typical of biogenic apatite’s. Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) yielded Ca/P ≈ 1.85–1.88, while X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) indicated Ca-enrichment relative to stoichiometric HA. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed a predominantly hexagonal HA phase with high crystallinity. These results demonstrate a technically and environmentally feasible route to bioactive coatings using marine biowaste, aligning low-cost, local waste valorization with functional performance on titanium implants. Full article

Titanium implants are widely used in medicine because of their favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility; however, the rapidly forming titanium oxide coatings do not provide an ideal bioactive surface to stimulate osseointegration. This study aims to enhance titanium implant osseointegration through anodization processes designed to incorporate elements and compounds present within human bone into the surface oxides. Commercially pure titanium grade 4 (CPTi) discs were anodized in either oxalic, malic, or ascorbic acid-based electrolytes. Each resulting oxide exhibited complex surface topographies. EDS analyses revealed that Ca, P, and Mg bone chemistry dopant elements were incorporated into each of the oxide coatings. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed combinations of anatase and calcium titanate compounds present in each oxide. Additionally, two of the anodized oxides showed calcium oxide formation, and one oxide also revealed tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) formation. Subsequent FTIR spectroscopy analyses revealed carbonate substitution peaks to be present in two of the oxides. This finding indicated that the TCP and HA compounds shown in the XRD analyses of one oxide represented the formation of bone-like carbonated calcium phosphate compounds. A 21-day cell culture study showed favorable cell culture responses for each of the organic-acid-based anodized oxides. Moreover, two of the oxides showed good cytocompatibility and early osteogenic differentiation compared to non-anodized titanium controls. Thus, the organic acid anodization processes developed in this study show promise to enhance future titanium implant clinical outcomes. Full article