Editorial: Inorganic Biomaterials

The objective of this research topic “Inorganic Biomaterials” within the scope of the article series “Bioengineering and Biotechnology” featured by the open access journal “Frontiers” was to present a comprehensive introduction to the field of inorganic bioactive biomaterials being considered for the replacement of hard tissues, in particular, bone tissue and related topics in bone tissue engineering and dental restoration. Two important basic articles included in this research topic are written in the form of reviews. One of these articles, a review written by the inventor of Bioglass® and pioneer of the field of inorganic biomaterials, Prof. Larry Hench (USA), in collaboration with Prof. J. R. Jones (UK), provides a comprehensive overview of the development and applications of the biomaterial Bioglass®, including a discussion on the remaining challenges for further research in the field in order to tackle current clinical needs. The second review paper included in this volume is written by one of the pioneers of the field of inorganic bioactive materials, Prof. T. Kokubo (Japan), and it covers scientific approaches to converting metal surfaces into bioactive surfaces through the formation of novel ceramic surface layers. The subsequent publications have been coauthored by young researchers from the world’s leading research groups headed by renowned scientists in the field, including Prof. T. Kasuga (Japan), Prof. S. Best (UK), Prof. E. Verné (Italy), Prof. D. Brauer (Germany), Prof. R. Hill (UK), and Prof. A. R. Boccaccini (Germany). The aforementioned authors have focused on publishing the latest research results, and their papers cover a series of relevant topics, which include