Hydroxyapatite [HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], with its robust biocompatibility and bioactivity, has found extensive utility in bone grafting, replacement therapies, and supplemental medical materials. HA is highly regarded for its osteoconductive properties because it boasts hydrophilicity, nontoxicity, non-allergenicity, and non-mutagenicity. Nevertheless, HA's intrinsic mechanical weakness has spurred efforts to enhance its properties. This enhancement is achieved through ion incorporation, with elements such as magnesium, zinc, lithium, strontium, boron, and others being integrated into the HA structure. In the domain of orthopedics, HA-based scaffolds have emerged as a solution for addressing prevalent issues like bone deformities and defects stemming from congenital anomalies, injuries, trauma, infections, or tumors. The fabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds (3D scaffolds) has enabled advancements in bone regeneration and replacement, with a focus on practical applications such as repairing calvarial, skull, and femoral defects. In vitro and in vivo assessments have substantiated the effectiveness of 3D scaffolds for bone defect repair, regeneration, and tissue engineering. Beyond bone-related applications, scaffolds demonstrate versatility in enhancing cartilage healing and serving as bioimplants. The wide array of scaffold applications underscores their ongoing potential for further development in the realm of medical science.
Keywords: Bone defect; Bone regeneration; Bone tissue; Hydroxyapatite; Scaffolds.
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