Magnesium Silicate Bioceramics for Bone Regeneration: A Review

With the increase in need of ideal bone graft materials, magnesium silicate has been explored as resorbable bioceramics. Calcium phosphate-based bioceramics are well studied and being implemented for several orthopaedic applications as they mimic the chemistry of the natural bone. Although extensively used, these materials do not satisfy all the essential requirements of an ideal temporary bone replacement material. Materials, such as tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA), have low solubility and often the resorption rate is quite slow when implanted in vivo. The research on magnesium silicate for bone regenerative application is quite relatively young and a new area compared to traditional calcium phosphate-based materials. Although limited research findings have been reported, it is believed that magnesium silicate-based bioceramics may be an alternative to calcium phosphate for bone tissue engineering applications. Thus in this review, we have highlighted the importance of magnesium silicate bioceramics and compared with existing calcium phosphate ceramics. We have also analysed the future directions and the need for clinical implementations.