Antibacterial Bio-Based Polymers for Cranio-Maxillofacial Regeneration Applications

Abstract

Cranio-maxillofacial structure is a region of particular interest in the field of regenerative medicine due to both its anatomical complexity and the numerous abnormalities affecting this area. However, this anatomical complexity is what makes possible the coexistence of different microbial ecosystems in the oral cavity and the maxillofacial region, contributing to the increased risk of bacterial infections. In this regard, different materials have been used for their application in this field. These materials can be obtained from natural and renewable feedstocks or by synthetic routes with desired mechanical properties, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. Hence, in this review, we have focused on bio-based polymers, which by their own nature, by chemical modifications of their structure, or by their combination with other elements, provide a useful antibacterial activity as well as the suitable conditions for cranio-maxillofacial tissue regeneration. This approach has not been reviewed previously, and we have specifically arranged the content of this article according to the resulting material and its corresponding application, reviewing guided bone regeneration membranes; bone cements; and devices and scaffolds for both soft and hard maxillofacial tissue regeneration, including hybrid scaffolds, dental implants, hydrogels and composites.

Recent advances in biofunctional guided bone regeneration materials for repairing defective alveolar and maxillofacial bone: A review

“…The anatomical structures of alveolar and maxillofacial bones are complex, and there are multiple zones that can act as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms. Furthermore, many pathological processes, such as periodontitis, which cause bone absorption and damage at these sites, are associated with pathogenic bacterial organisms [96] . Therefore, anti-infective function is an important characteristic of GBR materials intended for application in the alveolar and maxillofacial zones.…”

“…Alveolar and maxillofacial bone defects caused by trauma, tumors, and inflammation are common [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] . Although bone has healing capacities, bone defects larger than a critical size together with nonunion fractures are still challenging to repair in clinical practice [5] .…”