Biomimetic materials in regenerative medicine

Scientific research on tissue regeneration is increasingly becoming the most promising response to a number of disabling pathologies with huge impact on the progressively growing and ageing world population. The biomimicry of scaffolds with the target tissue is now universally considered to be a key requirement to properly instruct cells towards the restoration of physiological functioning. In this respect, the present chapter presents an overview of recent findings on biomimetic materials and devices addressed to bone and osteochondral tissues as well as soft organ regeneration. Particular focus is given to new apatite phases, including the newly discovered superparamagnetic apatite and processes to develop ceramic, polymeric and hybrid regenerative scaffolds. © 2013 Woodhead Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.