Scientists develop 3D-printed implants that promote real bone growth

Scientists at NYU’s Medicine and Dentistry colleges have developed 3D-printed implants that work as bioactive scaffolds to promote bone growth. A ceramic implant is created by heating beta tricalcium phosphate which has been printed to depict bone segment, and the real bone forms around it. Eventually the implant breaks down leaving the new bone growth in its place. Dipyridamole is used on the implant to speed up new bone growth and attract bone stem cells to help create blood vessels and bone marrow.

Paulo G Coelho, senior investigator and biomedical engineer at NYU’s dentistry and medical schools, said: “Our three-dimensional scaffold represents the best implant in development because of its ability to regenerate real bone. Our latest study results move us closer to clinical trials and potential bone implants for children living with skull deformations since birth, as well as for veterans seeking to repair damaged limbs.”

Bruce N Cronstein, study co-investigator and professor at NYU School of Medicine, said: “Dipyridamole has proven to be key to the implant’s success. And because the implant is gradually resorbed, the drug is released a little at a time and locally into the bone, not into the whole body, thereby minimising risks of abnormal bone growth, bleeding, or other side effects.”