The potential use of hydroxyapatite from sea coral as a bone substitute: a systematic review

Bone defects can result from trauma, neoplasms, infections, or congenital anomalies. A common strategy for managing these defects is bone grafting, which must meet three essential biological requirements: osteoconductivity, osteogenicity, and osteoinductivity. Bone graft materials may be sourced from either natural or synthetic origins. Among natural materials, hydroxyapatite derived from marine coral has attracted attention as a bioceramic due to its compositional similarity to the mineral phase of human bone.

Coral-derived hydroxyapatite primarily serves as an osteoconductive scaffold, supporting the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of stem cells and osteoblasts. This process facilitates bone regeneration and the formation of new bone tissue. Additionally, coral hydroxyapatite may contribute to osteoinduction by stimulating local stem cells and osteoblasts, thus promoting osteogenesis and enhancing bone healing.

Owing to these properties, coral hydroxyapatite is considered a promising material for encouraging bone regeneration in defect sites.

Hydroxyapatite obtained from marine coral represents a viable and effective bone graft substitute for reconstructing bone defects.