Application of Ceramic Matrix Composites in Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Design of Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) has great interest in improving the therapeutic efficiency of the existing drugs, including controlled drug release, local and targeted drug delivery, and limited side-effects. The advanced processing methods and new chemical strategies allow the incorporation of drugs within or on the functionalized surfaces of bioceramics. The aim of this article is to (a) give an overview of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in DDS, with emphasis on calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics, CaP cements, bioactive glasses, and their architectural forms as coatings, particulates and scaffolds for drug delivery toward tissue engineering applications, and (b) identify the most significant achievements in this field. The high biocompatibility of CaPs has made the CaP-based bioceramics one of the most interesting biomaterials in tissue engineering. Ceramic/polymer composites have also found wide applications in DDS, adjusting the biomechanical properties of ceramics alone. Finally, development of nanoceramics as drug carriers in targeted drug delivery, which has opened new perspectives for new-generation therapies, has been discussed.