Advanced biomaterials for orofacial regeneration and augmentation
The incorporation of inorganic fillers within polymer matrices for the purposes of either increasing bioactivity or enhancing mechanical properties remains a significant practical challenge. Current approaches for producing bioactive scaffolds predominantly lead to heterogeneous filler dispersion, resulting in variability of bioactive and mechanical properties throughout the scaffold and poor manufacturing reproducibility.
Researchers at The University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry have developed a novel method for solvent-free homogeneous mixing of bioactive inorganic nanofillers within biodegradable scaffolds. The technology enables the production of fully resorbable ‘patient-specific’ or ‘off-the-shelf’ scaffolds for bone regeneration and augmentation of sinus, periodontal and large-volume vertical alveolar bone defects.
Key features
- Novel method for producing bioactive biodegradable tissue scaffolds
- Enables patient specific dental implants with enhanced mechanical and biological properties
- Fully resorbable scaffolds, eliminating need for implant removal surgery
- POC demonstrated in a sheep extraskeletal bone formation model.