Biomineralized polymer matrix composites for bone tissue repair: a review

Bone defects caused by trauma, infection or bone tumor resection, are highly prevalent. A small number (5%–10%) of these injuries fail to heal due to non-union and require surgical intervention. Currently, the principal treatment options for these defects are autografts, allografts, xenografts or synthetic grafts. The main problems associated with these therapies include pain, infection and donor site morbidity. Bone tissue engineering is a diverse field that focuses on the regeneration of bone by combining cells, scaffolds, growth factors and dynamic forces. There have been many recent studies utilizing biomineralized polymer matrix composites which mimic the natural structure of bone. The principal focus of this review is on recent advances in the synthesis of various types of biomineralized polymer matrix composite. Examples of the biomineralization of naturallyderived and synthetic polymers widely used for bone engineering are also summarized.