Composites containing marine biomaterials for bone tissue repair

Abstract

In recent years, a striking development has been achieved in marine biomaterials for bone tissue repair. Marine sources have proven to be non-polluting and versatile for biomedical applications. Bone tissue engineering is a promising alternative for treating bone ailments caused due to trauma and surgical intrusions. Biocomposites comprise of biodegradable and biocompatible materials and mimic the architecture of bone and support regeneration. Significant sources of marine biomaterials are fish, invertebrates, fungi, corals, etc. Bone defects are treated using marine biocomposite polymers such as chitosan, collagen, alginate, gelatin, and ceramics. Chitosan is anti-microbial and bioactive; hydroxyapatite and collagen are significant constituents of bone, and alginate boosts mechanical strength and structural integrity of biocomposites. This chapter accounts for the source and types of biomaterials from marine fauna, the fabrication of biomaterials as scaffolds and their biological activity in enhancing bone repair in vitro and in vivo.