Recent advances in hydroxyapatite/polymer/silver nanoparticles scaffolds with antimicrobial activity for bone regeneration

The development of multifunctional materials for bone tissue repair has attracted researchers' interest. Several materials classes have been studied and optimized for this aim, such as implants based on metals, ceramics, glasses, and composites. Among these materials is hydroxyapatite (HAp), a popular bone scaffold used as the main constituent of several biomaterials. HAp presents good biocompatibility, osteoconduction, non-toxicity, porosity, and adequate mechanical properties. Nevertheless, to improve its properties or to add novel features, HAp has been associated with other components, such as polymers, ions, and nanoparticles. However, implant-related infections have been a concern and many approaches have been reported to overcome this issue, like the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The production of HAp-based scaffolds doped with AgNPs has been growing, and the reports have shown promising antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility. In this context, this review aims to present the recent advances in the development of HAp-AgNPs composites, highlighting their results regarding antibacterial properties.

Automated summary

The development of multifunctional materials for bone tissue repair has attracted researchers' interest. Several materials classes have been studied and optimized for this aim, such as implants based on metals, ceramics, glasses, and composites. HAp-based scaffolds doped with AgNPs have shown promising antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility, which can potentially overcome the issue of implant-related infections.