Well ordered-microstructure bioceramics

It is a great challenge to endow the bioceramics with the bone-matched mechanical performances. Here, capturing inspiration from well ordered-microstructures in the high-performance natural composites, we propose a universal biomineralization-assembly-sintering approach for the fabrication of well ordered microstructure meta-hydroxyapatite. Owing to the well ordered-microstructure and a new metal ions related interface toughening mechanism, this well ordered-microstructure hydroxyapatite exhibits remarkable mechanical performances, which are far beyond those of existing hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic and totally matched with the human cortical bone. Furthermore, the ordered microstructure plays a significant role in modulating the cell fates and finally stimulating bone defects regeneration in vivo . This work not only provides a strategy for the fabrication of well ordered-microstructure bioceramic but also broadens the horizons for the interface toughening mechanism of composites and microstructure design of biomaterials for bone regeneration. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study introduces a universal biomineralization-assembly-sintering approach for the fabrication of well ordered microstructure meta-hydroxyapatite, inspired by high-performance natural composites. The material demonstrates remarkable mechanical performances matching that of human cortical bone, playing a significant role in stimulating bone defects regeneration in vivo.