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Scientists create coral-inspired material for effective bone repair
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Scientists create coral-inspired material for effective bone repair
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Dec 09, 2024

Researchers at Swansea University have developed an innovative bone graft substitute inspired by coral, which enhances healing while dissolving naturally in the body after the bone repair process is complete.

The research, spearheaded by Dr. Zhidao Xia of Swansea University Medical School, involved collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and external partners. This advancement has been patented and featured in the journal Bioactive Materials.

Bone defects, often caused by fractures, tumors, or chronic injuries, pose significant global health challenges. Traditional methods using autografts or allografts are limited by supply, infection risks, and ethical concerns. The newly developed material addresses these limitations through a cutting-edge approach using 3D printing to replicate the structure and chemistry of coral.

The material offers multiple benefits:

+ Accelerated Healing: New bone formation begins within 2 - 4 weeks.

+ Complete Biodegradability: It integrates fully into the body and degrades within 6 - 12 months, leaving only healthy bone.

+ Cost Efficiency: Unlike natural coral or donor bone, this material is scalable and easily mass-produced.

Preclinical in vivo studies demonstrated impressive outcomes, including complete bone defect repair within 3 - 6 months and the formation of strong cortical bone in as little as four weeks.

Unlike current synthetic alternatives, which often fail to integrate effectively or cause inflammation, this material mimics natural bone's structure and biological functions, making it both safe and effective.

Dr. Xia highlighted the innovation's significance: "Our invention bridges the gap between synthetic substitutes and donor bone. We've shown that it's possible to create a material that is safe, effective, and scalable to meet global demand. This could end the reliance on donor bone and tackle the ethical and supply issues in bone grafting."

This breakthrough has the potential to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and open new possibilities for the biomedical sector. The Swansea University team is now seeking partnerships with companies and healthcare organisations to bring this transformative technology to patients worldwide.

Research Report:Rapid assessment of the osteogenic capacity of hydroxyapatite/aragonite using a murine tibial periosteal ossification model

Related Links
Swansea University Medical School
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

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