If this team of researchers developed this material, it is no coincidence. Current synthetic substitutes, although widely available, have major drawbacks: excessive biodegradation time, suboptimal bone integration or inflammatory risks.
Natural corals were already used to replace human bones in the 1990s. However, they are today largely threatened by global warming and their availability in nature is insufficient. Hence the advantage of creating 3D substitutes.
This technology could not only improve access to transplants, but also reduce medical costs if it ever undergoes optimized industrial production. “ Our invention bridges the gap between synthetic substitutes and natural grafts », underlines Professor Xia. “ We have demonstrated that it is possible to create a safe, effective and producible material at scale to meet global needs. This advancement could eliminate the need for donor bone grafts, resolving ethical and procurement issues associated with these procedures ».
For the medical sector, 3D printing is an extremely powerful tool and its applications have multiplied in recent years: anatomical models for surgical training, personalized dental implants, tailor-made orthodontic devices. The most sophisticated bioprinters even allow the creation of complex organic tissues or organs from human samples.
Next steps for Professor Xia and his team: continue clinical trials on a larger scale, optimize the properties of their miracle material and above all demonstrate that it is economically viable. Many such innovations have not seen the light of day because of this last point.
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