Patent ID: 7875342

Claim:
An implant comprising: a sintered matrix body of a calcium phosphate-based compound, the sintered matrix body possessing an open interconnected porous structure with internal and external surfaces; and a biodegradable polymer coating provided throughout the sintered matrix body on the external and internal surfaces of the open interconnected porous structure, wherein the biodegradable polymer coating still allows for the passage and/or delivery of agents and/or cells throughout the open interconnected porous structure and improves the mechanical properties of the sintered matrix body, the biodegradable polymer coating forming a discontinuous coating throughout the internal and external surfaces of the open interconnected porous structure; wherein the biodegradable polymer coating includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of photosensitive polymers, polycaprolactone, polyanhydrides, poly(ortho esters), poly(amino acids), pseudo-poly(amino acids), polyethylene glycol, polyesters and mixtures thereof.