Development of single protein fibre matrix composites for high performance cartilage repair devices

Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and an articulating surface in human joints. Cartilage defects often progress to severe osteoarthritis (OA), and eventually, total joint replacement is frequently required. The project will develop FibroFix Composite, an extremely tough new biomaterial and will deliver this in anatomically congruent, high strength, tissue regenerative cartilage repair prototypes for load bearing clinical indications. Current FibroFix device attributes of mechanical strength, resilience, and smooth surface characteristics will be enhanced through addition of components to increase resistance to tensile, torsional and shear forces. These properties will afford the possibility of employing FibroFix Composites in a wide cross section of clinical indications in which significant mechanical forces are experienced. Inexpensive production, keyhole implantation and competition limited by the aggressive environment will enable clear market differentiation and rapid uptake.