Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate properties and application of biomaterials for skull defects repair to search ideal skull substitutes.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of Wanfang database (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/) was performed for articles published between January 1999 and December 2009 regarding biomaterials in skull defects repair, with key words “tissue engineering, skull defects, biomaterial”. Repetitive studies, review or Meat-analysis were excluded. A total of 24 articles were included. 
RESULTS: Traditional nondegradable biological prosthesis can serve as filling materials for skull defects. With developing medicine and tissue engineering techniques, various synthesized biomaterials are developed. Currently, organic glass, silicon rubber, titanium mesh, and polymer composite materials have been used in skull defects repair. However, these materials display some disadvantages, such as fragile to aging and damage, difficult to molding, or poor biocompatibility. Of them, titanium mesh, and polymer composite materials have been extensively used for skull defects repair due to good biocompatibility and properties. Autologous cells and scaffold for skull defects repair has become a focus in biomedical engineering.
CONCLUSION: Despite titanium mesh, and polymer composite materials have been extensively used for skull defects repair, it remains further development due to their specific disadvantages.