Metallic biomaterial for bone support and replacement

Abstract Advances in the field of biomaterials have enabled the fabrication of novel metallic biomaterials resistant to abrasion, adhesion, fatigue, erosion, and corrosion unlike conventional bone support. This chapter gives the most comprehensive details of such promising metallic biomaterials with enhanced bone support that replicate the biomechanical properties of the host bones. Tunable stiffness and porosity with optimized topology facilitate in-growth of bone tissue accelerating the osseointegration process. Implants made up of stainless steel with various modifications, like nickel reduction, bisphosphonate immobilization, and cannulation, reduce metal sensitization, toxicity, bacterial infections, and carcinogenesis while improving biocompatibility and MRI compatibility with the promotion of microvascularization. Similarly, zinc-releasing calcium phosphate ceramics, zinc-alginate hydrogels, and hardystonite inhibit bone resorption and osteoclast-like cell formation, but promote osteoblast differentiation, osteocalcin secretion and ATPase activity. Surface modified zirconia, titanium, tantalum, niobium, and magnesium containing implants are also being widely used to ensure bone integration. The promises of metallic alloys like Co–Cr–Ni and Co–Cr–Mo are also furnished herein. Additionally, the state-of-the-art of antimicrobial metal surfaces used in orthopedics like copper sputtered polyester, copper–titania, silver-doped zeolite, Ti–silver coatings, silver–silica thin film, and lanthanum oxides are also included along with the scope for future investigations.