Immunomodulatory Biomaterials Enhancing Implant Osseointegration: Knowledge Mapping of Research Evolution from March 2005 to March 2025

Abstract

ObjectiveTo delineate the evolutionary trajectory of immunomodulatory biomaterials in implant osseointegration through bibliometric analysis, identifying pivotal theoretical breakthroughs and technological advancements. MethodsA total of 419 articles (2005-2025) from the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed using a multi-tool framework. Current research status and hotspots were evaluated by co-occurrence analysis of keywords and institutions using VOSviewer. The evolution and bursts of the knowledge base were assessed through co-citation analysis of references, authors, and journals via CiteSpace. Thematic evolution and keyword trends were mapped using the bibliometrix package in R. ResultsThe field exhibited "intermittent-explosive" growth (32.7% annual increment), with China leading global contributions (69.4%). The osteoimmunomodulation (OIM) theory emerged as the cornerstone, emphasizing spatiotemporal macrophage polarization (M1/M2 balance) and multi-signal crosstalk (BMP-2/VEGF/OSM). Key technological pathways included: [circled1] Surface engineering (nanotopography, ion-doped coatings); [circled2] Smart materials (3D-printed scaffolds, pH/ROS-responsive carriers); [circled3] Antibacterial-immunomodulatory synergy. Burst detection revealed shifting frontiers toward clinical translation (2023-2025 burst: "3D printing", strength=4.05) and precision modulation ("macrophage polarization", strength=9.02). ConclusionImmunomodulatory biomaterials are transitioning from mechanistic exploration to clinical adaptation. Future development requires integrating dynamic microenvironment-responsive designs with multi-omics validation to address macrophage heterogeneity, ultimately enabling personalized osseointegration therapies.