METAL ION-DOPED SILICON-SUBSTITUTED CALCIUM PHOSPHATE BIOCERAMICS: PROGRESS IN BONE REGENERATION

The strategic modification of calcium phosphate bioceramics through silicon substitution and metal ion doping represents a significant advancement in bone tissue engineering. This review examines recent developments in the synthesis, characterisation, and biological performance of these advanced materials. Silicon incorporation fundamentally alters the physicochemical properties of calcium phosphates, enhancing their dissolution behaviour and surface reactivity. When combined with therapeutic metal ions, these materials demonstrate remarkable multifunctional properties, including enhanced osteogenic differentiation, improved angiogenic responses, and antimicrobial activity. The review discusses various doping mechanisms and processing techniques, highlighting how different synthetic routes affect ion incorporation efficiency and material properties. Particular attention is given to the complex relationships between the material composition, microstructure, and biological performance, including cell-material interactions and tissue response. Recent advances in characterisation methods have provided deeper insights into the mechanisms governing these materials' enhanced biological performance, while also revealing critical factors for their successful clinical implementation.