Resorbers

Resorbers are entities—cells, tissues, or devices—that facilitate resorption, the process of taking substances or material back into a different phase or dissolving and removing components from a system. The term is used variably across disciplines, but it generally denotes agents that cause resorption rather than simple adsorption or permanent deposition.

In biology and medicine, resorption is most commonly discussed in the context of tissue remodeling. Bone resorption is carried out by osteoclasts, specialized cells that dissolve mineral and organic components of bone, releasing calcium and phosphorus back into circulation. This process works in balance with bone formation by osteoblasts to maintain skeletal strength. Dysregulation of resorptive activity can contribute to conditions such as osteoporosis or periodontal bone loss. Teeth and other tissues may also undergo resorption under certain pathological or developmental conditions, sometimes involving similar cellular mechanisms.

Outside bone biology, resorbers can appear in dentistry, orthodontics, and environmental or materials science, where the term describes devices or materials that remove or recycle substances from a system. Examples include resorptive materials used to capture or remove moisture, gases, or solutes in certain industrial or clinical applications. However, usage in these fields is less standardized, and authors may prefer more specific terms like “bone-resorbing cells,” “resorption devices,” or “desorption/adsorption materials.”

See also: resorption, osteoclast, bone remodeling.