Book excerpt: This publication offers a unique approach that links the materials science of bioceramics to clinical needs and applications. Providing a structured account of this highly active area of research, the book reviews the clinical applications in bone tissue engineering, bone regeneration, joint replacement, drug-delivery systems and biomimetism, this book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers, as well as for clinicians. From the contents: Part I Introduction 1. Bioceramics 2. Biomimetics Part II Materials 3. Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics 4. Silica-based Ceramics: Glasses 5. Silica-based Ceramics: Mesoporous Silica 6. Alumina, Zirconia, and Other Non-oxide Inert Bioceramics 7. Carbon-based Materials in Biomedicine Part III Material Shaping 8. Cements 9. Bioceramic Coatings for Medical Implants 10. Scaffold Designing Part IV Research on Future Ceramics 11. Bone Biology and Regeneration 12. Ceramics for Drug Delivery 13. Ceramics for Gene Transfection 14. Ceramic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment