New generation of 3D scaffolds for patient-specific therapies in orthopedic applications

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Michael Gelinsky
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 392224788

To our knowledge, the majority of the current research on extrusion-based additive manufacturing (3D plotting) of scaffolds have been focused on improving their abilities of stimulating osteogenesis and angiogenesis, by modulating either their porous structure or the composition of the substrate. However, in clinical practice, there are frequently extra patient-specific demands on the implants, especially for bone repair. Osteochondral defect regeneration requires the simultaneous restoration of both cartilage and bone tissue, which however cannot be fulfilled by utilizing a single type of scaffold since cartilage and bone tissues have different lineage-specific biological, but also mechanical properties. Another challenge is still the problem of implant-related infections, which can differ in individual situations. Addressing these topics, the project aims at developing a modular system for the tailored design and fabrication of patient-specific 3D-plotted implants. To fulfill this goal, our strategy is to combine novel therapeutic bioceramics and composite materials and 3D plotting technique. Novel therapeutic bioceramics/composites will be developed as a 'tool box' by incorporating biologically active metal ions, e.g. Li+, Cr3+ and Ce3+, into bone-repairing calcium phosphate- or silicate-based biomaterials, which endows the bioceramics with specific biological functions, such as cartilage preservation and antibacterial activity. The application of 3D plotting to the 'tool box' will allow the structurally tailored combination of these biofunctionalized bioceramics, leading to the development of specific design with respect to the individual patient. It is the belief of the applicants that, by the end of the project, a modular system consisting of therapeutic bioceramics and composites, suitable for 3D plotting will be established which will for the first time realize the fabrication of patient-specific implants in the literal sense. The research will cover the whole chain of biomaterials development, including design of therapeutic bioceramics and 3D plotting fabrication technology, characterization of mechanical performance and releasing behaviors of therapeutic metal ions, as well as thorough in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the biological properties. The project addresses challenging issues related to biomedical materials in the field of health, and can only be successfully carried out by utilizing the individual expertise of the two applicants and through concerted efforts and coordinated actions. It fits excellently into the framework of collaboration in the research and development of biomedical materials between Technische Universität Dresden and Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. We strongly believe that the project will surely make important contribution to the development of novel synthetic biomaterials and contribute to cost-effective healthcare systems both in Germany and China.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: China
• Partner Organisation: National Natural Science Foundation of China
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Chengtie Wu, Ph.D.