Abstract
Cottony bone-void fillers, which were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, are being used clinically as they are recognized to be highly osteogenic and resorbable, and they have excellent usability. This review briefly introduces bioceramic particles of osteoconductive β-tricalcium phosphate with therapeutic ion-releasing siloxane-containing calcium carbonate (vaterite) embedded in a biodegradable (L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) matrix. The composite material was electrospun to form filaments and then collected to fabricate cottony bone-void fillers. The material can release appropriate amounts of therapeutic ions, such as silicate and calcium, in the early stages of in vivo implantation to promote bone formation. The cotton-like form imparts the artificial bone with superior operability and allows it to be implanted freely in any gaps in bone. Gaps between filaments play an important role in bone regeneration. Because this novel material can easily be mixed with autologous blood, bone marrow aspirates, and/or bone fragments, it can be used effectively for inducing bone regeneration through self-healing. Therefore, this type of cottony bone-void filler can be used for bone healing and regeneration.
