Mimicking bone structure and function with structural composite materials

This paper reviews the progress that has been made in fabricating biomimetic bone structures using synthetic composite materials. The specification for long bone applications is developed and we identify the candidate materials for delivering cortical and cancellous bone properties and function. The role of composite materials is discussed together with the factors influencing fibre and matrix type. Challenges associated with moderating their performance in-vivo are discussed, relating to the properties of the starting materials and the dependence, for fibre reinforced systems, on interface quality. Fabrication routes for producing complex biomimetic structures are also reviewed and the state of current clinical developments is described along with the associated technical and regulatory issues.