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Description
The aim is to establish close interdisciplinary cooperation between Czech and Icelandic partners for the development of biofunctional polymer-ceramic ink for low-temperature 3D printing of patient-specific bone implants. Our goal is to improve the mechanical, degradable, healing and antibacterial properties of printed implants by modifying ceramic cement with binders based on biodegradable synthetic polymers and bioactive polysaccharides and proteins. The effiency will be verified by implantation of 3D printed parietal bone into rat skull defect. Results: 2 utility models of cement suitable for 3D printing of implants with adjustable mechanical properties (D1) and increased biological activity (D2) and 1 functional sample of the 3D printed parietal bone with increased bioactivity (D3).
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the need for improved biocompatible and mechanically suitable materials for 3D-printed bone implants. Specifically, they wanted to enhance the mechanical properties, degradation, healing, and antibacterial properties of these implants.
The project developed a biofunctional polymer-ceramic ink for low-temperature 3D printing of bone implants, modified ceramic cement with biodegradable polymers and bioactive polysaccharides and proteins to improve the properties of the implants and conducted in vitro and in vivo tests in rats to evaluate the efficacy of the implants. The project achieved significant new bone growth in rat femur defect models using the 3D-printed implants with the developed protein-modified implants that supported cell growth without cytotoxicity.
The project outcomes are functional samples and utility methods of the new materials and methods, resulting also in an European patent application. The research reached the final preclinical study. After further research and clinical trials, the project results will benefit the medical field, particularly in areas like neurosurgical cranioplasty, by providing improved bone implant materials. Academic partnerships are needed for further development and clinical testing, while industry partnerships are needed for upscaling the material production.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral collaboration has been marked by strong complementarity, with successful initiatives such as the CoolLab, a European patent, and a Horizon application, alongside extensive communication, dissemination activities, and student exchanges despite the challenges of COVID-19. Future cooperation includes potential larger EU projects, funding for clinical trials, and continued joint efforts in conferences, workshops, and contractual research, with Czech partners further supporting Genis through additional characterizations.