Long Chen,1,* Chao Zhou,2,* Qiong Xie,3 Linying Xia,3 Lu Liu,3 Wenwen Bao,3 Hongming Lin,4 Xiaochun Xiong,4 Hao Zhang,4 Zeping Zheng,4 Jiayi Zhao,4 Wenqing Liang4 

1Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopedics, Zhoushan Guanghua Hospital, Zhoushan, 316000, People’s Republic of China; 3Medical Research Center, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhoushan, 316000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Orthopedics, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhoushan, 316000, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Wenqing Liang, Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 355 Xinqiao Road, Dinghai District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, 316000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-580-2615027, Fax +86-580-2616545, Email liangwq@usx.edu.cn Jiayi Zhao, Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 355 Xinqiao Road, Dinghai District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, 316000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-580-2615024, Email zjy2038689@sina.com

Abstract: Zinc-doped synthetic polymer composites are a potential approach for bone regeneration, effectively meeting the urgent requirement for efficient bone repair materials. This review critically examines recent advancements in zinc-doped synthetic polymer composites for bone regeneration, with a focus on their synthesis methods, material properties, biological interactions, and potential clinical applications. The primary findings indicate that adding zinc to synthetic polymers, such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), polycaprolactone, and polyethylene glycol, enhances their mechanical strength, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. Those composite materials enable the regulated release of zinc, which stimulates cellular responses crucial for bone repair. The importance of this technique lies in its ability to give a versatile framework that promotes the regeneration of bone tissue, presenting a new alternative for patients with bone abnormalities and enhancing clinical results. Despite these advantages, Zn-doped polymer composites need to overcome challenges including high Zn concentration toxicity and altered degradation kinetics and changes in mechanical properties for optimized clinical success. Moreover, homogeneous Zn distribution within polymer matrices stands as an essential requirement to accomplish both stable bioactivity properties and uniform mechanical characteristics. The use of advanced fabrication methods will help overcome pelletization issues to improve the therapeutic application of Zn-doped polymer composites in bone tissue regeneration. This review is intended to provide a valuable resource for future research, contributing to the advancement of innovative therapies for bone regeneration. It facilitates the development of innovative solutions in regenerative medicines and bone repair by emphasizing the prospective role of zinc-doped polymers.

Keywords: zinc doping, synthetic polymer composites, bone regeneration, bone defects, biomaterials