Research progress on the osteogenic properties of tantalum in the field of medical implant materials

Ideal medical implant materials should have the qualities of osteoinduction, osteoconduction, nontoxicity, non-sensitivity and non-carcinogenicity to the body. Although its high melting point and high elastic modulus pose difficulties for processing technology, tantalum has become a popular research topic in the field of medical implant materials because of its excellent biocompatibility and bone inductivity. In this paper, the performance of the bone-inducing properties of tantalum in different applications, including its combination with other elements, its use as a coating, its porous structure and its surface modification ability, are summarized. The mechanism of promoting bone formation and the clinical application of tantalum are reviewed.