抄録
Because of their excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, ceramic biomaterials are clinically utilised as bone grafts for the reconstruction of injured bone tissues. Modification of the ceramic surface, leading to enhanced interaction with bone tissues, can improve the osteoconductive properties of bone grafts. Here, we explored the biophysical properties of bone tissue in order to develop a rationale for improved ceramic bone grafts. Material analyses revealed that the apatite minerals in bone tissues can store electrical energy generated by collagen fibrils in a piezoelectricity. Furthermore, we observed that bone, when polarized electrically by external voltage, depolarized by two mechanisms. Specifically, carbonate incorporation and electrical charges in bone minerals are important factors in bone piezoelectricity. These factors modulated osteogenic cell behaviours such as the osteoclastogenesis of peripheral mononuclear blood cells and the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. Surface characteristics revealed that the electrical polarization increased the surface free energy and improved the surface wettability of the ceramic biomaterials. In addition, we applied the functionalized ceramic biomaterials to wound dressings and dental crowns. Composite materials, including polarized hydroxyapatite for wound dressing, enhanced epidermal recovery from full-thickness skin wounds. Surface modification by a combination of electrical polarization and chemical treatment improved bioactivity and durability of ceramics containing yttria-stabilized zirconia.
