When a substantial part of the bone is missing, the healing process requires a filler in the form of a support structure called a scaffold. Traditionally, scaffolds can be either permanent or biodegradable. Permanent scaffolds either remain within the bone, leading to bone weakening, or are removed following a revision surgery. On the other hand, biodegradable polymeric scaffolds are generally too weak for load-bearing applications while ceramic scaffolds tend to be too brittle for shock-loading.
The BioSA implant includes a porous iron-based structure, to be used as a bone scaffold, which could degrade in the body. The implant is also patient specific in terms of size, shape and load bearing capability through the development of a specific alloy and the use of an innovative manufacturing route.
The novelty lies primarily in the manufacturing technique used for the preparation of the patient-specific scaffold. The technique involves a relatively simple procedure where a 3D printed polymeric implant template could be directly used to positively replicate the design using metallic powder.
From a surgical perspective, it will be easier for the surgeon to implant it as a scaffold that is patient specific. The implant also reduces the need for revision surgery since the final product will be anti-bacterial and biodegradable, aiming to degrade at the rate of bone growth.
The scaffold would be useful to patients with bone loss defects due to trauma, infection or tumour.
A UK patent application (Application No. 2009324.1) ) and a PCT application (Application No. PCT/EP2021/066480) were submitted by the University of Malta in 2020 and 2021 and are currently under prosecution.
The technology is in prototype stage and is undergoing in vitro toxicity testing.
We are looking for potential licensees who may be interested in manufacturing the product or companies who may be interested in collaborating on further developments.
Prof. Ing. Joseph Buhagiar
Prof. Ing. Maurice Grech
Prof. Pierre Schembri Wismayer
Dr Arif Rochman
Prof. Christian Scerri
Mr Ray Gatt
Mr Ryan Giordimaina
Ms Christabelle Tonna
Mr Luke Saliba
Mr Keith Sammut
Mr Matthew Sultana
Maria del Mar
Mr Albert Curmi
BioSA (R&I-2017-037T) is being financed by the Malta Council for Science & Technology through FUSION: the Programme for Research & Innovation in Technological Development
Additional information on the BIOSA Website. You can also follow the team through Facebook.