Hybrid Composite for Orthopedic Applications

Abstract

Bone is a hybrid composite material in nature, consisting of about 70% of inorganic mineralized phase with the remaining 30% of organic non-mineralized matrix. Bone is extremely unique tissue in human body, where it can undergoes remodeling process throughout a lifetime of an individual. However, the physiological process is complex as it involves various cell types and intracellular and extracellular molecular signaling pathways. Therefore, when a bone is broken, not only the bone cells are affected but also the surrounding tissue and the vascular network. In designing a functional hybrid composite, one should consider number of factors to speed up the process of bone regeneration without inducing other complications. Many scientific approaches to accelerate the bone regeneration process and/or to reduce associated complications have been reported. Inspired by the nature of bone, several advantages in the field of engineered scaffolds have been achieved from hybrid composite scaffolds designed by the combination of nanostructured bioceramics and/or biodegradable polymers that can combine the strength of the inorganic compound and flexibility from the organic material. In this chapter, a brief insight of natural human bone will be discussed followed by the clinical needs for bone regeneration and approaches to accelerate bone regeneration. An overview on the potential materials for bone scaffolds and requirements for engineered scaffolds will be also discussed in making hybrid composite for bone regeneration.