Background, History, and Introduction to Resorbable Composites for Implants and Fixation Devices
摘要
Resorbable composites, also known as biodegradable or bioabsorbable materials, are advanced biomaterials designed to provide temporary structural and functional support in biomedical applications while degrading safely within the body. These materials typically consist of polymeric matrices, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), reinforced with bioactive fillers like hydroxyapatite (HA), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and bioactive glass. The synergy between the polymer matrix and reinforcing agents enables customizable mechanical strength, bioactivity, and controlled degradation kinetics to meet clinical needs. Advances in nanotechnology have refined material properties, improved degradation rates, and enhanced biological performance. Today, resorbable composites are widely utilized in bone fixation devices, dental scaffolds, bioresorbable cardiovascular stents, and soft tissue repair. Innovations such as 3D printing and smart materials now enable the design of patient-specific solutions with controlled degradation and integrated functionalities. Challenges include achieving precise degradation rates to match tissue healing, balancing mechanical strength with bioactivity, and addressing biocompatibility issues. Additionally, production scalability and regulatory delays hinder clinical adoption. Future advancements focus on multifunctional systems combining tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and responsive properties. Emerging technologies, including 3D bioprinting and AI-driven design, are expected to revolutionize the field, offering personalized, effective, and biocompatible medical solutions. Resorbable composites hold transformative potential for regenerative medicine, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and neural applications, driving innovation in patient-specific healthcare and biomedical engineering.