Design of 3D Scaffolds for Hard Tissue Engineering: From Apatites to Silicon Mesoporous Materials

Abstract

Advanced bioceramics for bone regeneration constitutes one of the pivotal interest in the multidisciplinar and far-sighted scientific trajectory of Prof. Vallet Regí. The different pathologies that affect osseous tissue substitution are considered to be one of the most important challenges from the health, social and economic point of view. 3D scaffolds based on bioceramics that mimic the composition, environment, microstructure and pore architecture of hard tissues is a consoli16 dated response to such concerns. This review describes not only the different types of materials utilized: from apatites-type to silicon mesoporous materials, but also the fabrication techniques employed to design and adequate microstructure, a hierarchical porosity (from nano to macro scale), a cell-friendly surface; the inclusion of different type of biomolecules, drugs or cells.