The development of a new bioceramic for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissue engineering is described. Metal prosthetic devices and petroleum polymers have been used in TMJ reconstruction for many years to improve jaw function, pain and quality of life. Metal-on-metal prostheses (MOM) often have resulted in allergic reactions associated with the metal wear debris produced in such a significant load bearing environment. Metal hypersensitivity has occurred mostly with cobalt-chromium alloys, but the underlying mechanism still is a subject of controversy. Catastrophic failures associated with polymeric products include periprosthetic osteolysis and implant fractures. Unfortunately, none of the currently available commercial biomaterials appears to be ideal for TMJ tissue engineering scaffolds. Reviewing the pitfalls of previous TMJ implants and biomaterials provides valuable insight that can be used to develop new materials. The chemistry and processing of a new bioceramic that mimics the biosynthesis of natural bone and reflects suitable properties for bone tissue engineering is described. These properties include compressive strength (150 MPa - 250 MPa), Young's modulus (22 GPa - 26 GPa), formability, cytocompatibility, ability for resorption, osseoinductivity and osseoconductivity. This technology is highly significant in that it may provide a novel way to regenerate joints in situ through a durable, resorbable biomaterial scaffold.
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