Biodegradable Materials for Bone Defect Repair

Abstract

Application of biodegradable materials is an interdisciplinary scientific approach that combines novel materials and tissue engineering to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation for the treatment of hard and soft tissue defects especially in bone defects. Ideal biomaterials are capable of increasing the cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation process in the defected area. They provide a platform at implanted site for biological phenomena between cells and growth factors that will ultimately be degraded and eliminated in the body during the formation of osteogenic cells. For the past few decades, polymers, ceramics, and metals are used as a biodegradable material for treating bone defects. These materials are cornerstone for the development of next-generation biodegradable materials. In this chapter, we emphasized the recent development and advancement of new-generation biodegradable materials and look forward to the future research direction for further improvement to broaden their applications and to accomplish significant clinical outcomes.