Nanotechnology provides a new generation of biocompatible materials that can be used
as implants or temporary biosorbable structures.

Bone is a high strength material that is used as both weight bearing and non-weight
bearing structures. Bones are more than just structural materials as they also contain
interconnected pores that allow body fluids to carry nutrients and permit interfacial
reactions between hard and soft tissues. In the case of bone fractures, grafts, disorders,
dental applications and other types of surgery, bones may require repair or replacement.
A variety of natural materials are used as bone substitutes. These include autograft from
the patient’s pelvis, allograft from another human, bovine material or coral blocks.
Natural materials tend to be brittle and can lose mechanical strength during sterilization.
They can also cause inflammation, pain at the pelvis graft site, and potentially transmit
disease.

Bone cavities can also be filled with synthetic bone cement. Current bone cements
containing polymethylmethacryate (PMMA) act as a filler or grout, which is injected as a
flowable paste and then hardens in vivo. While PMMA cement can offer adequate
mechanical properties and bonding, it is typically recommended only for non-weight
bearing bones. PMMA has also been linked to tissue damage, nerve root pain and other
side effects.