RESTORATION

Resorbable Ceramic Biocomposites for Orthopaedic and Maxillofacial Applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Ceramic composite materials have for many years been considered to show great promise in the repair of musculoskeletal defects. The materials can mimic the structure of bone, and devices made from the materials can be structured to closely match the mechanical requirements of implant sites. In addition, wide ranges of bioactivity are possible, from inert to fully resorbable.

Bioceramics have most commonly been used to date in dentistry, and in some orthopaedic applications, e.g. as an injectable paste for vertebroplasty, or as a coating material for metal orthopaedic implants. However, advances in cellular medicine bring great opportunity for significant growth in the bioceramics industry – bioceramics and bioceramic composites offer levels of bioactivity which far exceed those available from metal implants, together with combinations of strength and modulus which exceed anything which can be offered by bioactive polymers on their own. Working in tandem with cells, proteins and other biologically active agents (both from the host and introduced) bioceramic composites have the potential to revolutionise many treatments and therapies, giving new, highly effective early stage clinical interventions for conditions where no approach has existed to date.

In order to deliver on the potential shown by bioceramic composites the combination of mechanical design, materials, processing, clinical delivery and subsequent biological interaction all have to be understood in an integrated and systematic way. This proposal will address this underlying research and technological challenge in order to develop new bioceramic products for five SME partner companies.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Bioceramic implants provide excellent strength and bioactivity far exceeding that of metals. Materials and processing innovations are leading to delivery of superior bone implants ready for clinical trials.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Advances in cellular medicine are paving the way for unprecedented interactions between biologically active agents associated with the implants as well as destination cells and tissue. They promise highly effective early clinical interventions not previously possible.

A large EU consortium has joined forces to bring new bioceramic products to market for five partner small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The EU is providing economic support to address the challenges within the context of the project 'Resorbable ceramic biocomposites for orthopaedic and maxillofacial applications' (http://restoration-project.eu/ (RESTORATION)) . Scientists are developing composite plugs for treatment of osteoarthritis, vertebral cements for compression fractures of the spine and composites for maxillofacial fracture fixation.

The first 18 months of the four year project have been devoted to laying the groundwork to support manufacture and testing of novel medical devices. This includes defining detailed specifications, developing new materials processing routes and creating novel materials. In preparation for new product development, researchers are assessing the materials for biocompatibility using human and animal primary cells. These are being tested under load-bearing and non-load bearing conditions.

Development of new medical devices is getting under way with important progress to date. In the coming months, the devices will be subjected to more realistic testing in preparation for clinical trials. Scientists are also planning a life cycle analysis using newly developed cost models to determine the best ways to minimise both costs and environmental impact.

Building on the broad expertise of partners, RESTORATION is braving new frontiers of medical science with medical devices based on novel improved bioceramic materials. By the end of the project, the new devices will be ready for clinical trials for rapid and maximum benefits for the five partner SMEs. Long term sales potential of the new devices is predicted to be around 350 million EURO per year. New knowledge generated will also certainly be picked up and exploited by other teams for maximum project impact.