China3D printingNet August 15th, researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) used3D printingSuper-elastic bones to reconstruct the skull defect in rats. Experimental results prove that a cost-effective solution can be developed for craniofacial bone transplantation.
Although further experiments are needed, the researchers said, “Our research emphasizes the transformational potential of this new type of tissue engineering application strategy, especially bone regeneration.”
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3D printingHyperelastic Bone scaffolding. Picture from UIC/Northwestern University.
For bone regeneration3D printing
Super elastic bone is made using hydroxyapatite (the main mineral in bone) and polyglycolic acid. As the name suggests, this mixture imparts high elasticity and biocompatibility to the material, making it an excellent potential substitute for natural bone.
Especially in terms of craniofacial reconstruction, the Northwest/UIC team recognized that irregular defects can be3D printingBenefit from the malleability and customization provided by the superelastic implants. In a recent study, the research team used this material to create a synthetic scaffold with a complex mesh that mimics the structure of natural bone.
These scaffolds were then implanted into 8mm skull defects in rats, and the ability to regenerate bones was studied.
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Super elastic bone scaffold” />
In the skull within a few weeks3D printingSuper elastic bone scaffold. Picture from UIC/Northwestern University.
The results show:3D printingSuper-elastic bone scaffold promotes tissue regeneration in rodent skulls within weeks
Plastic bone substitute
After microscopic examination, it was found3D printingThe super-elastic bone scaffold has an effective rate of 74% after 8 weeks and an effective rate of 65% after 12 weeks. During this period, the implant is gradually surrounded by fibrous tissue, and then surrounded by new bone cells, which will eventually grow into new bone. Overall,3D printingThe implant produced 10% more bone than the standard bone graft.The team concluded that3D printingAlternatives can be used clinically to treat human skull defects. The super-elastic bone scaffold has sufficient ductility and can be press-fitted and cut into shape during the operation.
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