The present investigation reports on a simple technique for the preparation of single‐phase BiFeO3 powders using the polymerized complex method, starting from iron and bismuth nitrates. A mixed aqueous solution with citric acid, ethylene glycol, Bi, and Fe ions was polymerized. The formation mechanism, the homogeneity, and the structure of the obtained powders have been investigated by thermogravimetry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy measurements. XRD results demonstrated that thermally induced crystallization of rhombohedral BiFeO3 from the Bi–Fe polymeric precursor occurred at temperatures as low as 400°C. Pure single‐phase BiFeO3 nanocrystallites without any impurity or amorphous phases were obtained when the precursor was treated at 600°C for 3 h.

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The increase in osteoporotic fracture worldwide is urging bone tissue engineering research to find new, improved solutions both for the biomaterials used in designing bone scaffolds and the anti-osteoporotic agents capable of promoting bone regeneration. This review aims to report on the latest advances in biomaterials by discussing the types of biomaterials and their properties, with a special emphasis on polymer-ceramic composites. The use of hydroxyapatite in combination with natural/synthetic polymers can take advantage of each of their components properties and has a great potential in bone tissue engineering, in general. A comparison between the benefits and potential limitations of different scaffold fabrication methods lead to a raised awareness of the challenges research face in dealing with osteoporotic fracture. Advances in 3D printing techniques are providing the ways to manufacture improved, complex, and specialized 3D scaffolds, capable of delivering therapeutic factors directly at the osteoporotic skeletal defect site with predefined rate which is essential in order to optimize the osteointegration/healing rate. Among these factors, strontium has the potential to increase osseointegration, osteogenesis, and healing rate. Strontium ranelate as well as other biological active agents are known to be effective in treating osteoporosis due to both anti-resorptive and anabolic properties but has adverse effects that can be reduced/avoided by local release from biomaterials. In this manner, incorporation of these agents in polymer-ceramic composites bone scaffolds can have significant clinical applications for the recovery of fractured osteoporotic bones limiting or removing the risks associated with systemic administration.

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