Nanophase ceramic/polymer composite scaffolds for bone regeneration: From 2D to 3D

Currently, the main reason for clinical failure of bone substitutes in orthopedics lies in a lack of osseointegration, that is, insufficient juxtaposed bone growth on material surfaces as a result of deficient osteoblast (bone forming cell) functions. Special properties (nano-scale surface topography, surface area and roughness) of nanophase ceramics enhance osseogenesis and new bone regeneration [1]. Specifically, greater osteoblast adhesion and long term functions were observed on nanophase ceramics compared to conventional ceramics [1]. Moreover, the adsorption of vitronectin (a protein known to mediate osteoblast adhesion) has been reported to be much greater on nanophase ceramics compared to conventional ceramics [2]. However, single phase ceramics are inherently brittle and are difficult to be fabricated into complex structures with acceptable mechanical properties for orthopedic applications. The experimental focus of this research was to study in vitro osteoblast functions on ceramic/polymer nanocomposite scaffolds and to gain a deeper understanding of cell interactions with 2D and 3D scaffolds and, thus, assess their effectiveness for better bone regeneration.