Metabolite Incorporation in Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Metabolism drives bone homeostasis and repair. This Thesis evaluates biomaterials that modulate metabolism during healing. Metabolomics of rat calvarial and sheep tibial defects showed glutamate/glutamine decline. Cell–material studies with calcium phosphate (CaP) revealed ceramic adsorption of small molecules and shifts in amino acid and energy pathways. Guided by these insights, the author developed ACP-Glu, an amorphous CaP–glutamate material that boosts TCA activity, enhances osteogenesis, and may replace inert fillers, accelerating bone regeneration safely.