# Biological properties of copper: Antibacterial, osteogenesis of biomaterials

## TL;DR

Copper in biomaterials shows antibacterial effects and supports bone and blood vessel growth, making it useful for medical implants.

## Contribution

This study highlights copper's novel role in enhancing osteogenesis and angiogenesis while providing antibacterial properties in biomaterials.

## Key findings

- Copper-containing biomaterials show strong antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains.
- Cu ions stimulate mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts, enhancing bone formation.
- Copper promotes blood vessel growth by upregulating VEGF and supporting endothelial cell proliferation.

## Abstract

Copper (Cu) has gained significant attention from the researchers on biomaterials due to its important biological roles in the body. Researchers have found that Cu has biological properties, especially in orthopedic applications as an additive element in alloys or bio-compatible coatings. Additionally, Cu has anti-bacterial, angiogenic, and osteogenic properties. The antibacterial properties of Cu provide an alternative to antibiotics and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, Cu contributes to bone and blood vessel formation and improves the performance of biological materials. This study examines the potential of Cu-containing implant materials in anti-bacterial and bone and blood vessel regeneration.

•Copper-containing biomaterials exhibit strong antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains.•Cu ions enhance osteogenesis by stimulating mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts.•Copper promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF and supporting endothelial cell proliferation.•Ti–Cu and Mg–Cu alloys show excellent antibacterial properties and biocompatibility in implants.•Copper-modified scaffolds regulate degradation rates and support bone and vascular regeneration.

Copper-containing biomaterials exhibit strong antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains.

Cu ions enhance osteogenesis by stimulating mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts.

Copper promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF and supporting endothelial cell proliferation.

Ti–Cu and Mg–Cu alloys show excellent antibacterial properties and biocompatibility in implants.

Copper-modified scaffolds regulate degradation rates and support bone and vascular regeneration.