Plasma surface modifications of orthopedic biomaterials by the adoption of bioinorganic cations: a review

A variety of bioinorganic ions have been reported to alter different cellular functions, including the transport of potassium (K⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) ions, while also modulating signal transduction, energy metabolism and cell proliferation due to the electro-potential change of the cell membrane. It was recently reported that the presence of such bivalent cations in the bone system is beneficial to bone growth and plays a key role in bone remodeling and skeletal development. In the present paper, the authors aim to report the potential mechanism of bone healing stimulated by bioinorganic ions and the relevant surface modification techniques for orthopedic biomaterials.