Bio-compatible ceramics as mimetic material for bone tissue substitution

Abstract

Bone-like apatite formation on the surface of implant is of key importance during the physical and chemical processes leading to the formation of bonds between the implanted material and the newly formed bone tissue. The smartness of such a mimetic process is likely the action of silanole groups (Si-OH) which serve as the nucleation sites for the biocompatible interface formation capable to coexist between the original tissue and the implants which can be made from ceramics, glass-ceramics, composites as well as certain metals (titanium) respecting the condition of suitable surface reactivity. Lasak Co. Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of these materials in the Czech Republic and provides various kinds of bioactive implants, based on calcium phosphate ceramics, apatite wollastonite glass-ceramics and implants with hydroxyapatite surface coatings, permitting differentiated applications in clinical practice. The bioactive materials used as bone substitutes are all the subject of continuing research to attain biological, mechanical and chemical properties as similar as possible to those of the tissue to be replaced-mimetic materials. Clinical applications in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, auricular surgery, dental surgery and in other fields are demonstrated.