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Combinations of biopolymers and synthetic polymers for bone regeneration

Abstract

Critical bone defects do not heal by themselves, but the regeneration process can be supported by biomaterial implants. Combinations of synthetic polymers, intended to provide the required mechanical strength and processability, and biopolymers, giving cells a suitable environment for proliferation and inducing bone growth, has recently drawn attention in order to provide multifunctional implants. In this chapter, the combination of the different polymer classes on the molecular level and by surface functionalization is discussed, with an emphasis on physicochemical properties and the biological functions of the materials as well as future trends in this research field.
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