Engineered titanium-based alloys for bioengineering applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: Wolfson Sch of Mech, Elec & Manufac Eng
Abstract
Titanium is widely used in a broad range of orthopaedic applications due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Considering factors such the aging of population, the higher rates of diagnosis and treatment and a growing demand for improved mobility and quality of life, the incidence of replacements and implant revisions will rise considerably, placing immense financial burden on the healthcare system and affecting the rate of morbidities among patients. Therefore, the development of innovative three-dimensional constructs, which can benefit long-term implant stability and provide physical support for cell adhesion, proliferation new tissue formation is needed. In order to attain successful implantation and final integration in the host tissue, structural biomimetic modifications of the bulk and on the surface must be considered during the manufacturing process. In this study, different alloys and porous scaffolds are designed and manufactured to mimic the mechanical properties and microstructure and the topography of cortical and trabecular bone. Using mouse and mesenchymal models we will explore which alloy and physical structural parameters of the scaffold architecture are of most benefit during the different stages of the bone regeneration process.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509516/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 2133136 | Studentship | EP/N509516/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/12/2020 | Mattia Norrito |
| Description | In these three years we carried out a very systematic research on the design and architecture ( in terms of pore size and porosity) metal prosthetic manufactures has to consider in order to attain a successful regeneration of the bone tissue. We found out that big pore size matched with high grade of porosity triggered a very strong osteogenic response and must be considered in the design of orthopaedic implants. As additional project, we also tried to combine two different pore size and figure out if the combination of two different sizes could benefit both the bone regeneration process and the mechanical properties. The results were unexpected as we found out that low grade porosity is the most performant when combined with different pore sizes. Another project was to test the mechanical and biological properties of 5 different based-Titanium alloys. We carried out a very accurate study on cell metabolism confirming that the inclusion of Sn (tin) could benefit the metabolic activity of the bone cells. |
| Exploitation Route | This research has a significant impact in two different aspects. 1) We gave detailed information how different geometrical and chemical features affects the metabolic activity and differentiation features in bone cells and 2) which materials and design must be considered during the manufacturing of biomedical devices. This research could be implemented taking in consideration further in vivo test to confirm the in vitro results. we also found a new area of research which takes in consideration the effects of different materials and architectures over on the bio-energetic pathways involved in the bone homeostasis. |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | The outcomes of this research must be considered by metal orthopaedic manufacturers in order to create innovative devises which present 1) high biocompatibility 2) high osteogenic stimulation 3) enhanced mechanical properties. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |