Researchers at the University of Waterloo develop new 3D-printed material for the production of bone grafts

A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo has developed a new material that has many of the properties of bone tissue. Its use in 3D printers offers a new and innovative treatment option for patients undergoing major skeletal repair and reconstructive surgery.

The newly developed material makes it possible to print customized bone implants that are precisely tailored to the patient’s anatomical needs. This could not only reduce the need for metal plates, but also reduce the risk of infection and improve the body’s acceptance of the implant.

“We’ve created a material that is strong, 3D-printable and compatible with a potential to become new bone tissue.” said lead researcher Dr. Thomas Willett, a professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering and director of the new biomedical engineering graduate program. “With this technology, we can achieve the patient-specific geometry needed to reconstruct bone defects with greater success.”

“Our work is currently focused on advancing our biopolymer nanocomposite’s functional robustness as an implant and its ability to be replaced with living bone over time,” said Elizabeth Diederichs, Waterloo PhD candidate. “The goal is for this material to reduce a patient’s need for repeated operations after undergoing bone reconstruction surgery.”

The material contains nanoparticles that mimic the mineral structure of bone and contribute to the strength of the composite.

“Any material implanted in the body elicits a response,” Gorbet said. “Our tests show that the biological response of bone cells to our biopolymer nanocomposite outperforms traditional methods. They’re adhering, proliferating and retaining their behaviours, which is very exciting.”

The team is now planning further tests and seeking approvals to further develop the material for clinical applications. The aim is to minimize repeated operations after bone reconstruction in the future.