Zinc-Based Biomaterials for Regeneration and Therapy

Zn-based biomaterials have promising applications in tissue regeneration, theranostics, and treatments. Zn-based biomaterials have desirable biological features for regeneration and therapy, including biocompatibility, osteogenesis, and antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. Zn-based biodegradable metals have good degradation rates and biocompatibility, and their mechanical strength and ductility can be enhanced through alloying, thus making them promising for cardiovascular and orthopedic applications. Zn-based ceramic biomaterials are being developed as synergistic nanocomposite platforms capable of combined cancer targeting, bioimaging, and responsive drug delivery. Strategies for controlled release of degradation products from biodegradable Zn-based biomaterials are necessary to ensure their biosafety when optimizing their therapeutic and treatment effects. Zinc has been described as the ‘calcium of the twenty-first century’. Zinc-based degradable biomaterials have recently emerged thanks to their intrinsic physiological relevance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and pro-regeneration properties. Zinc-based biomaterials mainly include: metallic zinc alloys, zinc ceramic nanomaterials, and zinc metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Metallic zinc implants degrade at a desirable rate, matching the healing pace of local tissues, and stimulating remodeling and formation of new tissues. Zinc ceramic nanomaterials are also beneficial for tissue engineering and therapy thanks to their nanostructures and antibacterial properties. MOFs have large surface areas and are easily functionalized, making them ideal for drug delivery and cancer therapy. This review highlights recent developments in zinc-based biomaterials, discusses obstacles to overcome, and pinpoints directions for future research. Zinc has been described as the ‘calcium of the twenty-first century’. Zinc-based degradable biomaterials have recently emerged thanks to their intrinsic physiological relevance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and pro-regeneration properties. Zinc-based biomaterials mainly include: metallic zinc alloys, zinc ceramic nanomaterials, and zinc metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Metallic zinc implants degrade at a desirable rate, matching the healing pace of local tissues, and stimulating remodeling and formation of new tissues. Zinc ceramic nanomaterials are also beneficial for tissue engineering and therapy thanks to their nanostructures and antibacterial properties. MOFs have large surface areas and are easily functionalized, making them ideal for drug delivery and cancer therapy. This review highlights recent developments in zinc-based biomaterials, discusses obstacles to overcome, and pinpoints directions for future research. a plasma protein with a wide variety of functions, produced by macrophages, fibroblasts, and liver and adrenocortical cells. a transport protein in human blood plasma that also regulates osmotic pressure. the most common cause of dementia; it affects memory, cognition, and behavior. the rupture of a bacterial cell by chemical or physical interactions. a metal or alloy that degrades in the body. two separate and distinct responses of cells to different signals. an assessment of the ability of a cell to remain viable in the presence of a foreign material. the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to chondroblasts with the secretion of cartilage extracellular matrix. the process of adding a methyl group to DNA, which serves as an important regulatory mechanism in epigenetic repression or activation of target genes. cold-body emission of light from a source. organic–inorganic hybrid materials formed by organic ligands linked to metal ions or clusters. a type of multinucleated bone cell that breaks down bone tissue by secreting acid to facilitate maintenance, restoration, and remodeling of bone. emission of light due to absorption of photons. emission efficiency from a given photon absorption. nanoscale semiconductor particles that have unique electrical and optical properties. chemically reactive species of oxygen, such as hydroxyl radical, superoxide, or singlet oxygen. the migration of endothelial cells and attraction of endothelial progenitor cells to repair a damaged blood vessel following stent implantation. the electric potential difference measured between a metal and the standard hydrogen electrode, which is set to 0 volts. It tells how easily an element can be oxidized or reduced, and it is associated with the likelihood for electrochemical corrosion/degradation reactions to occur. restriction of blood through a blood vessel resulting from a blood clot.