Cationic substitution effects in phosphate-based bioceramics - A way towards superior bioproperties

This review summarises the available results on the effects of cation substitution on the antibacterial and other bioproperties of different phosphates. Attention is given to bulk cation-substituted phosphates (alkali, alkaline earth, transition and lanthanide metals) and to thin films, glasses, and various composite materials. The cationic effects on the biological properties of phosphate bioceramics are also documented. These phosphate-based biomaterials, especially nanostructured ones, show high biocompatibility and enhanced antibacterial behaviour. Numerous articles have concluded that the cationically substituted phosphates are the best candidates for applications in many biomedical fields such as bone repair, tissue engineering, drug and gene delivery, magnetic targeting and hyperthermia treatment for cancer, bioimaging, and theranostics.