Advances in Marine Biomineralized Materials in Bone Repair and Regeneration

Abstract

Marine biomineralized materials (MBMs), derived from organisms such as corals, mollusks, cuttlefish, sponges, and fish, represent a promising class of natural resources for bone tissue engineering due to their structural similarity to human bone, excellent biocompatibility, and bioactive properties. The composition, hierarchical architecture, biomineralization mechanisms, and species-specific characteristics of MBMs collectively determine their physicochemical properties and regenerative potential. The porous framework of coral bone, the “brick-and-mortar” structure of nacre, the multi-chambered design of cuttlebone, and the concentric lamellae of sponge spicules provide mechanical strength, facilitate vascularization, and support osteogenesis. Furthermore, bioactive proteins and ions inherent in MBMs further may promote osteoinduction and angiogenesis. Despite their potential, challenges related to resource sustainability, mechanical compatibility, and clinical scalability remain. By enhancing the functionality and applicability of MBMs, designing strategies for the preparation of emerging materials has become a major research highlight including 3D printing, biomimetic synthesis, and composite fabrication. MBMs represent a diverse class of biomineralized resources with significant application value in bone repair and regeneration. This review presents the transition of MBMs from passive bone grafts to active, intelligent regenerative systems, offering innovative solutions for the treatment of bone defects while aligning with ecological and economic sustainability.