Ceramic materials for 3D printing of biomimetic bone scaffolds – Current state-of-the-art & future perspectives

Abstract

Ceramic bone implants have potential properties ideal for long-term implantation applications. On comparison with other materials, ceramic biomaterials have advantages such as biocompatibility, low cost, osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, corrosion resistance, and can be made into various shapes with desired surface properties. Among transplantation surgeries, bone transplantation is the second largest in the globe after blood transfusion which is an indication for rising hope on the potential treatment options for bone. 3D printing is one of the most advanced fabrication techniques to create customized bone implants using materials such as ceramics and their composites. Developing bone scaffolds that precisely recapitulate the mechanical properties and other biological functions of bone remains a major challenge. However, extensive research on ceramic biomaterials have resulted in the successful 3D printing of complex bony designs with >50% porosity with cortical bone mechanical properties. This review critically analyses the use of various 3D printing techniques to fabricate ceramic bone scaffolds. Further, various natural and synthetic ceramic materials for producing customized ceramic implants are discussed along with potential clinical applications. Finally, a list of companies that offer customized 3D printed implants and the future on clinical translation of 3D printed ceramic bone implants are outlined.

Keywords

• Ceramics
• Bone grafts
• 3D printing
• Bone tissue engineering
• Synthetic bone scaffolds
• Hydroxyapatite