| Summary: |
Increased life expectancy has lead to a progressive loss of functionality of tissues in general and for bone tissue in particular. One of the most frequently used proceedings applied to the repair of bone defects are the autologous and allogeneic grafts. The former are limited in applications due to the fact that the volume of graft is limited and because it may cause the morbidity of the patient. The second one presents logistical problems related to the potential risk of disease transmission to the receiver and the possibility of rejection. This suggests the need of resorting to synthetic bone substitutes made of biomaterials that possess chemical and biological properties similar to those of human bone. It is already available a synthetic bone substitute Bonelike® whose patent is owned by Medmat. However, this product exists only in the form of granules, only allowing clinical applications not subjected to functional loads. To allow new therapeutic solutions such as the required for some orthopaedic applications, is essential to develop a new and low cost process, capable of shaping complex 3D geometry. A consortium led by Medmat in partnership with Celoplás, Nanologic and the FEUP was formed, in order to fulfil this need. By selecting as a case study the development of 3D prototypes of Bonelike® with controlled and interconnected micro and macro porosity, the consortium goals to mimic the mineral trabecular bone structure capable of promoting growth, proliferation and differentiation as well as the neovascularisation of the surrounding tissue. These prototypes will be produced in accordance with the requirements of INFARMED using an adaptation of PIM technology that uses a feedstock formulation based on Bonelike®. Combining productivity, accuracy and versatility of plastic injection moulding with the sintering of ceramic powders, PIM technology reveals itself as the most promising technique to achieve this purpose and maximize the products range of Bonelike®. |