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Advanced Approaches for Bone Regeneration

Promoting bone healing and regeneration remains a significant challenge in biomedical research and clinical practice. Bone healing processes are complex and influenced by numerous biological, mechanical, and biochemical factors. Biomaterials, particularly calcium phosphates, offer promising approaches. Targeted modification of these materials to develop osteostimulative or osteoinductive properties opens new avenues to naturally enhance bone regeneration without the use of pharmacological agents or growth factors.

Grafik Molekül

By adjusting chemical composition, micro- and nanostructure, as well as surface and chemical properties, the osteostimulative and osteoinductive potential of biomaterials can be further optimized.

Our research focuses on structural modifications through doping with biologically active ions such as calcium, magnesium, strontium, or silicon. These ions help balance stability and degradability (Habibovic et al., 2006); for example, strontium ions enhance osteoblast activity and inhibit osteoclasts, thereby improving bone regeneration

Makrostruktur

The micro- and nanostructure of bone regeneration materials plays a crucial role in cell interaction. Porous materials increase surface area, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation (Galois et al., 2002). Nanostructured surfaces with controlled topography support osteoblast differentiation and activity

Makrostruktur

Another approach for bioactivation involves coating biomaterials with biologically active molecules or polymer layers. Peptide coatings, such as RGD sequences, enhance cell adhesion and osteoblast differentiation (García et al., 2002). Collagen coatings also support bone cell integration and strengthen osteogenesis and material integration

Doppelstruktur

We are also investigating the combination of biomaterials with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can differentiate osteogenically and contribute to bone formation. Intelligent biomaterials that respond to stimuli such as pH changes or mechanical pressure provide a dynamic platform for bone regeneration in complex defects, using the surrounding environment as a trigger for the targeted release of bioactive ions.