A dual-functional injectable bone graft combining β-TCP with antimicrobial and osteogenic peptides simultaneously promotes bone growth and inhibits bacterial biofilms.
Dual function: heal + protectSingle injectable material promotes osteogenesis while inhibiting bacterial biofilms
What the researchers found
A dual-functional β-TCP injectable bone graft functionalized with osteogenic and antimicrobial peptides enhanced bone formation while providing broad-spectrum biofilm inhibition.
Why it matters
Infected bone defects are a major clinical challenge with high failure rates. A single material that both grows bone and fights infection could dramatically improve surgical outcomes.
How the study worked
Development and characterization of peptide-functionalized β-TCP putty-form injectable bone grafts, evaluating mechanical properties, osteogenic potential, and antimicrobial activity.
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro and early preclinical testing — long-term in vivo performance, degradation, and peptide release kinetics need evaluation.
How to read the evidence
Preclinical biomaterials study — demonstrates proof of concept for dual-functional injectable bone grafts.
When this study was published
Published in 2026; advances multifunctional orthopedic biomaterial design.
The bigger picture
Multifunctional biomaterials that address both regeneration and infection represent the future of orthopedic surgical materials.
Questions still open
- How long do the antimicrobial peptides remain active after injection?
- Can this injectable graft replace traditional bone grafting in infected fractures?
Common questions
What is an injectable bone graft?
Why add antimicrobial peptides to bone grafts?
Read the original research
Dual-functional β-TCP based injectable bone grafts functionalized with peptides for enhanced osteogenesis and broad-spectrum biofilm inhibition.
Biomaterials advances, 183, 214739
Citation
Bilgiç, Eda; Özkaya, Şevval; Gençer, Duygu; Karaman, Ozan; Pulat, Günnur. (2026). Dual-functional β-TCP based injectable bone grafts functionalized with peptides for enhanced osteogenesis and broad-spectrum biofilm inhibition.. Biomaterials advances, 183, 214739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2026.214739