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When biomaterials do not biodegrade

may continuously cause problems

In extreme conditions, it is possible that the different mechanical properties of the artificial bone graft may cause a re-fracture or become a source for bacterium growth in infection

In order to get around this issue

researchers decided to study the calcium carbonate found in the exoskeleton of sea coral and convert it into coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA)

then refined the material to produce coralline hydroxyapatite/calcium carbonate (CHACC)

This CHACC composition contained 15 percent of CHA in a thin layer around the calcium carbonate and had a strong, porous structure that has made CHA commercially successful, but contained significantly improved biodegrading properties to support natural bone healing.

not to say that the material is ready to be used across the globe

There is a ways to go before the material can match the benefits of an autograft

and can be used by the several million people worldwide that undergo bone grafting procedures each year

the development of the CHACC material could provide an important step toward creating a biodegradable material that could help patients in the future