Toward the biomimetic implant surface: Biopolymers on titanium-based implants for bone regeneration

Replacing malfunctioning tissues with titanium-based implants has become a widespread practice spurred by population aging. Advances in biomaterials, technology and implantation protocols have led to increasing expectations on the applicability and durability of implants. The field has recently moved from a bioinert to a bioactive paradigm due to surface modifications that trigger specific responses on the surrounding tissues. Biopolymeric surface coatings have taken up a central role in these developments. The use of these and other biomimetic strategies on implants provides greater control over material-cell interactions and it is aimed at improving long-term clinical results by replicating some of the structures and mechanisms of living tissues. This review summarizes the state of the art of biomimetic implants and discusses the main directions and challenges of this field toward a more predictable and successful implant osseointegration.