3D Print In Medicine Helps With Surgeries

Researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois have created material for a 3D printer capable after implantation into patients quickly recover and restore bone. Material is called "hyperplastic bones" (HB, hyperelastic bone) and can be easily adapted to individual needs; It is therefore particularly suited for treating bone defects in children.The study was recently published in the scientific journal Science Translational Medicine.

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The new biomaterial consists almost exclusively of hydroxylapatite, which is a bioceramic mineral, natural form of calcium - it is the main non-organic component of human bones and teeth. Into which it is incorporated a small amount of the biodegradable polyester - polycaprolactone, which is traditionally used in medicine.

After surgical insertion of new bone acts as a highly absorbent, porous material, the normal bone with it gradually begins to connect.
Hyperelastic bone can be printed at speeds of about 274 centimeters per hour, more than two and a half meters. Scientists tested material on individuals of primate rhesus, and successfully; material quickly merged with the existing bone, while not provoked any negative reaction.

In addition, the material went for tests to refund part of the spinal rats. After two months of the observation showed that even here there was no immune response, bone zcévnatěla quickly adapt to the surrounding tissue, subsequently rapidly rigid and encourage bone growth without any additional biological factors.