Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
14.2
Possible Future Developments
The discussion will be structured related to the following topics:
nanostructural CBBC materials, specific properties, the future
product platform, active additives, drug delivery, and third-
generation biomaterials.
14.2.1
Nanostructural CBBC Materials
Within specifically the calcium aluminate hydrate (CAH) and
calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and combinations of CAH and CSH
with Ca-phosphates (CPs) new improved bioceramics for specific
applications are foreseen [6, 7]. Active additional binding systems
are also foreseen.
Another field where development is expected deals with raw
material production. Still there are only few raw materials that could
be used directly. In much companies rely on raw material synthesis.
14.2.2
Specific Properties
A need within CBBC materials relates to improve safety in the
mechanical properties of the end products [8]. Important areas
here are handling aspects to avoid introduced defects and a need to
improve fracture toughness.
Another materials aspect is the need of a more aesthetic
appearance of the CBBCs [9]. This relates to dentistry. The
transparency needs to be approximately as that of enamel.
14.2.3
Active Additives
Due to the almost perfect nanoporosity structure of several CBBCs,
medically active additives and health-related additives can easily be
incorporated in the material. This is an area of high interest.
Developments of a combination of general biomaterials and at
the same time carriers for drug delivery are foreseen [10]. The anti-
bacterial properties of some of the CBBCs should also be taken into
account [11].
Search WWH ::
Custom Search