Technologies

The Problem

A large proportion of orthopaedic surgical procedures require bone grafts and with the growing demands there still remains a need to design synthetic bone graft that mimics the structure and composition of bone with good surgical handling properties.

The Solution

The project team has developed a completely synthetic composite which incorporates both bioactive ceramic and polymer components in desired ratios to form a mechanically tough material which actively encourages biomineralisation and cell attachment in body fluid. The ceramic component is a new class of calcium phosphate that does not form poorly resorbable hydroxyapatite.

The material can be easily fabricated repeatedly without complex methods or chemistries with a ‘cage-like’ porosity that absorbs liquid throughout the construct via capillary action, augmented by diffusion of nutrients through the hydrophilic polymer. In-vitro assessment has shown excellent biocompatibility and cellular infiltration and spreading with a variety of cell types.

The composite has been devised to allow rapid translation of this material into all surgical procedures where a bone graft substitute is required. The construct can be easily shaped to defect specifications and implanted into the wound bed absorbing blood and cellular components without significant changes in dimensions, efficiently enhancing remodelling and bone formation. The adhesive nature of the composite allows it to adhere to bone bed or metallic implants if used in conjunction with other devices.

• Results from the research to date indicate that the composite bone replacement will have several advantages compared to products available today or in development: