Surface modification of biomaterials and tissue engineering scaffolds for enhanced osteoconductivity

Abstract

The majority of currently used implant materials in orthopaedics lacks osteoconductivity. This paper reviews our efforts of using a number of surface modification techniques (hydrothermal-electrochemical deposition, plasma spraying, spraying-and-sintering, ion beam assisted deposition, and biomimetic deposition) to improve the osteoconductivity of metallic, polymeric and ceramic biomaterials. Furthermore, biomimetic processes have been employed to render nonbioactive polymer tissue engineering scaffolds osteoconductive. Surface modification has an important role to play in the development of materials for human tissue repair and regeneration.