3D printing multifunctional devices without internal interfaces for cartilage repair
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
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Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Olga Tsigkou (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | It is still early in the in vitro assessment of the new materials, however, their effect on osteogenic cells has been established in the absence of commonly used osteogenic supplements. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this funding can be taken forward and utilised in several ways. Medical device companies, such as Smith & Nephew, can adopt the developed sol-gel hybrid inks and 3D printing techniques to create improved orthopaedic implants for cartilage and bone regeneration. Industry partners like Evonik and Makevale can scale up raw material production, enabling widespread use of these novel inks. The research will support clinical translation. Given our results with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the protocols and this technology could significantly impact orthopaedics by providing an alternative to microfracture surgery and delaying or even preventing total joint replacements. Beyond cartilage repair, the sol-gel hybrid inks and 3D printing approach could be extended to other tissue engineering applications requiring stiffness and composition gradients. Academic researchers may build on these findings to refine materials, optimize printing processes, or explore applications in regenerative medicine. |
| Sectors | Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Although it is still early to report significant non-academic impacts, our findings indicate that the developed materials support the growth of an osteogenic cell line and play a crucial role in promoting osteogenic differentiation towards mature osteoblasts, even in the absence of typically used osteogenic medium. This suggests that these materials have strong potential for real-world applications in bone regeneration and orthopaedic implants. In the long term, these findings could contribute to the development of advanced biomaterials for medical devices, reducing the reliance on biochemical supplements and enhancing the effectiveness of implants in clinical settings. If successfully translated, this technology could improve patient outcomes, support faster healing, and reduce the need for revision surgeries. Industry partners, such as medical device companies, may benefit from these materials by integrating them into next-generation orthopaedic implants, leading to improved treatment options for bone-related conditions. These early results also strengthen the case for further investment from commercial and clinical stakeholders, accelerating the pathway from research to real-world application |