Hydroxyapatites enriched in silicon - Bioceramic materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications

Hydroxyapatite (Ca-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(2), abbreviated as HA) plays a crucial role in implantology, dentistry and bone surgery. Due to its considerable similarity to the inorganic fraction of the mineralized tissues (bones, enamel and dentin), it is used as component in many bone substitutes, coatings of metallic implants and dental materials. Biomaterial engineering often takes advantage of HA capacity for partial ion substitution because the incorporation of different ions in the HA structure leads to materials with improved biological or physicochemical properties. The objective of the work is to provide an overview of current knowledge about apatite materials substituted with silicon ions. Although the exact mechanism of action of silicon in the bone formation process has not been fully elucidated, research has shown beneficial effects of this element on bone matrix mineralization as well as on collagen type I synthesis and stabilization. The paper gives an account of the functions of silicon in bone tissue and outlines the present state of research on synthetic HA containing silicate ions (Si-HA). Finally, methods of HA production as well as potential and actual applications of HA materials modified with silicon ions are discussed.