Osteogenesis and angiogenesis promoting bioactive ceramics

Bioceramics such as hydroxyapatite, bioglass, and magnesium-calcium-phosphate combinations are extensively used for bone tissue regeneration. Although hydroxyapatite possesses inherent osteoconductive capacity that stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, it lacks the ability for the induction of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a very crucial role in bone tissue regeneration by delivering oxygen, nutrients, and progenitor cells to the site of injury and is essential for bone defect repair and regeneration. Some bioceramics like bioglass, and magnesium whitlockite display angiogenic properties. Metal doping of the above-mentioned bioceramics has been shown to accelerate the osteogenic and angiogenic potential of the biomaterial in in vivo and in vitro studies. The coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis has proven to be of great benefit in tissue engineering for enhanced healing of damaged bone tissue. This review gives a brief explanation of the available types of bioceramics and the metal ions doped onto them to achieve enhanced and coupled osteogenesis and angiogenesis.