Toward Smart Biomimetic Apatite-Based Bone Scaffolds with Spatially Controlled Ion Substitutions

Biomimetic apatites exhibit a high reactivity allowing ion substitutions to modulate their in vivo response. We developed a novel approach combining several bioactive ions in a spatially controlled way in view of subsequent releases to address the sequence of events occurring after implantation, including potential microorganisms’ colonization. Innovative micron-sized core-shell particles were designed with an external shell enriched with an antibacterial ion and an internal core substituted with a pro-angiogenic or osteogenic ion. After developing the proof of concept, two ions were particularly considered, Ag(+) in the outer shell and Cu(2+) in the inner core. In vitro evaluations confirmed the cytocompatibility through Ag-/Cu-substituting and the antibacterial properties provided by Ag(+). Then, these multifunctional “smart” particles were embedded in a polymeric matrix by freeze-casting to prepare 3D porous scaffolds for bone engineering. This approach envisions the development of a new generation of scaffolds with tailored sequential properties for optimal bone regeneration.