Hydroxyapatite crystals as a bone graft substitute in benign lytic lesions of bone

Bone Graft Substitutes-What Are My Options?

We examine the range of available bone graft substitutes often used in nonunion and malunion surgery of the upper extremity. Synthetic materials such as calcium sulfate, beta-calcium phosphate ceramics, hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, and 3D printed materials are discussed. We delve into the advantages, disadvantages, and clinical applications for each, considering factors such as biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, mechanical strength, and resorption rates. This review provides upper extremity surgeons with insights into the available array of bone graft substitutes. We hope that the reviews helps in the decision-making process to achieve optimal outcomes when treating nonunion and malunion of the upper extremity.

Should local drug delivery systems be used in dentistry?

In dentistry, the use of biomaterial-based drug delivery systems (DDS) aiming the release of the active compounds directly to the site of action is slowly getting more awareness among the scientific and medical community. Emerging technologies including nanotechnological platforms are offering novel approaches, but the majority are still in the proof-of-concept stage. This study critically reviews the potential use of DDS in anesthesiology, oral diseases, cariology, restorative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, implantology, fixed and removable prosthodontics, and orthodontics with a special focus on infections. It also stresses the gaps and challenges faced. Despite numerous clinical and pharmacological advantages, some disadvantages of DDS pose an obstacle to their widespread use. The biomaterial's biofunctionality may be affected when the drug is incorporated and may cause an additional risk of toxicity. Also, the release of sub-therapeutic levels of drugs such as antibiotics may lead to microbial resistance. Multiple available techniques for the manufacture of DDS may affect drug release profiles and their bioavailability. If the benefits outweigh the costs, DDS may be potentially used to prevent or treat oral pathologies as an alternative to conventional strategies. A case-by-case approach must be followed.

Recent developments in the synthesis of poly(hydroxybutyrate) based biocomposites

Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) has become an attractive biomaterial in research and development for past few years. It is natural bio-based aliphatic polyester produced by many types of bacteria. Due to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and eco-friendly nature, PHB can be used in line with bioactive species. However, high production cost, thermal instability, and poor mechanical properties limit its desirable applications. So there is need to incorporate PHB with other materials or biopolymers for the development of some novel PHB based biocomposites for value addition. Many attempts have been employed to incorporate PHB with other biomaterials (or biopolymers) to develop sustainable biocomposites. In this review, some recent developments in the synthesis of PHB based biocomposites and their biomedical, packaging and tissue engineering applications have been focused. The development of biodegradable PHB based biocomposites with improved mechanical properties could be used to overcome its native limitations hence to open new possibilities for industrial applications.