A mini-review on calcium hydroxyapatite composites for antibacterial applications: from inorganic to bioactive organic systems

Abstract

Bone regeneration of injured bones remains a significant clinical challenge due to persistent inflammation and microbial colonisation. Recent advances in biomaterials, such as calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA; Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆)(OH₂) composites have enabled the fabrication of functionally and biologically optimised materials. CHA has been used as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, bone fillers, and bioactive coatings. However, clinical complications, including implant-associated infections, have raised concerns among researchers. Consequently, functionalisation of artificial bone composites is necessary to promote bone regeneration and repair. Notably, antibacterial activity plays a critical role in the treatment and prevention of infected bone defects. Therefore, offering antimicrobial properties to these materials is needed. Therefore, current research is focusing on the incorporation of CHA synthetic materials and compounds that possess antimicrobial properties to act as antibacterial agents. In this context, this article provides an extensive review of the recent advances in CHA composites with antibacterial properties for their potential use in several biomedical applications.