Bioceramics is a type of material used to heal or replace damaged bone tissues. Bioceramics can interact directly with the surrounding tissue, either promoting tissue development or initiating new tissue formation, depending on the application. Similar to the case of bioinert ceramics, it can also remain dormant at the application site and serve as a mechanical load carrier.
There are three types of bioceramics- bio-inert, bio-active, and bio-resorbable, which are used in dental, orthopedic, and other applications.
Market Drivers and Demand
According to OMR Research, the global bioceramics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period (2023-2029). The key factor driving the market growth is that bioceramics are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, bioceramics can be used as a total artificial alternative for the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and wrist; bone plates, bone screws, and bone wires; intramedullary nails to heal fractures; Harrington rods to rectify spinal curvature; and vertebrae spacers and extensors to rectify congenital abnormalities. Besides, it can be used to fuse the spine to protect the spinal cord, in mandibular reconstruction, in alveolar bone replacements, as a substitute for damaged, removed, or decaying teeth, and as orthodontic anchors.
Another factor contributing to the market’s growth is the growing adoption of spinal and ortho-biological surgeries, a rise in replacing diseased hard tissues of the body, and rapidly increasing dental surgeries around the globe. For instance, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 3 million implants were placed in the US in 2019, and every year, more than 150 million people lose at least one tooth in the US. Dental implant incidences are expected to rise further as the population ages. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) data published in 2022, the estimated global average prevalence of complete tooth loss among persons aged 20 and older is more than 7%. Those aged 60 and older had a much higher worldwide incidence of 23%. Additionally, according to WHO forecasts for 2022, one out of every six people on earth will be 60 or older by 2030.
Additionally, the rise in arthritis incidence is driving the demand for bioceramics since it can be used as a bone substitute and is useful for bone generation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2017 reports, arthritis is projected to affect 78.4 million US adults by 2040. Besides, osteoporosis prevalence is also boosting the demand for bioceramics. According to the Arthritis Foundation's 2019 report, there were 200 million women suffering from osteoporosis in 2019. Every year, osteoporosis causes at least 8.9 million fractures worldwide (one fracture every three seconds) for those above the age of 50. Additionally, by 2050, Asia will account for at least half of all hip fractures caused by this illness worldwide.
Besides bone regeneration and substitution, bioceramic is being used in other applications as well, such as construction. For instance, Geoship, the market leader in next-generation affordable houses, started the bioceramic dome project in 2019, and since then it has received more than 10,000 dome orders. The company makes bioceramic domes that are built to last for 500 years and cost half of what traditional structures cost. These domes also have a 90% lower carbon footprint. In February 2023, Geoship revealed its "Earthshot" mission: to make the greatest home on the planet the most inexpensive while expanding production to one million units annually. Hence, it can be depicted that in the coming years, bioceramics’ demand will increase for the construction industry as well.
Recent Developments
The key companies in the market include CoorsTek Inc., Kyocera Corp., CeramTec, Morgan Advanced Materials, DSM Company, Royal DSM, Sagemax Bioceramics, and others. These market players adopt various strategies such as product launches, partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to sustain a strong position in the market and help meet market demand. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In February 2023, Endomimetics announced a funding collaboration with BISCO, Inc., to support the development of a dental application for Endomimetics’ Bionanomatrix technology. The total funding of $700,000 is used to develop a novel bioactive Direct Pulp Capping (DPC) material using Endomimetics Bionanomatrix to better treat dental caries and other dental ailments.
• In February 2023, SleepGift, a Vancouver-based firm, launched a line of weighted blankets that filter electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from electronic gadgets, allowing users to sleep better. SleepGift's washable and durable blankets have silver-infused fabric, which absorbs up to 99% of EMF radiation. The blankets also include bioceramic beads, which generate far infrared rays that help improve blood circulation and immune system function. By activating nerve endings, these bioceramic beads produce a relaxing massage effect.
• In October 2022, SINTX Technologies, Inc., an OEM of novel ceramic materials for medical and technical applications, announced that it had received four new international patents for antibacterial biomedical implants. These patents, which have been granted by Canada, Australia (two patents), and Japan, add to SINTX's intellectual property portfolio. Silicon Nitride, one of SINTX's premium bioceramics, has previously been proven to display the bacteriostatic properties desired in medical implants.