Composite biomaterials: present and future

摘要

Bone consists predominately of a ceramic phase, approximating to hydroxyapatite and an organic phase, collagen, which, through interfacial interaction, constitute a composite material, i.e. the resultant mechanical properties are a combination of those of the individual constituents. This definition of the biological template has lead to the innovation of ceramic reinforced polymer composites, notably of hydroxyapatite-reinforced polyethylene (designated as HAPEX~(TM)), as bone substitutes for skeletal implants, which combine mechanical compatibility with a favourable bioactive response. The progression of HAPEX~(TM) from laboratory concept to major clinical application as ossicular replacement prostheses is reviewed and the prospects for future advance considered.