3D Printed Bio-Glass Could Replace Damaged Cartilage

Researchers have used 3D bioprinting to create a new material that could be used for cartilage implants. Researchers from the Imperial College London and the University of Milano-Bicohcca have 3D printed a shock-absorbing bio-glass that mimics all the properties of cartilage. The material is biodegradable, biocompatible and the cells demonstrate self-healing properties. The process to produce the material is far quicker and easier than lab-grown alternatives. 3ders reports: The development is a significant one because cartilage is an absolutely crucial tissue that is easily damaged, but not so easy to repair. While some scientists have been working on implantable lab-grown cartilage, this bio-glass solution might be a far easier implantation option. What’s more, it can be formulated to exhibit different properties and might even encourage the growth of cartilage cells in human joints. The 3D printed bio-glass structures consist of little more than silica and a polymer called polycaprolactone. When mixed, it displays all the properties people look for in cartilage: it’s strong, flexible, durable and resilient. Most importantly, it is biodegradable, biocompatible and shows self-healing properties. It is also easy to 3D print in ink form. As the British scientists explain, these properties make it a perfect treatment option for patients with [...]