The technology of making implants nearly identical to human bone is being polished in the Tomsk Polytechnical University. Such artificial limbs made of calcium phosphate compound will be several times cheaper than their foreign analogs, the university press service reports.
“The traditional method of laser sintering from calcium-phosphate powder failed to provide a dense sample; such compounds merely decayed. We decided to use additive technologies, in other words, the 3D printer. The printing method of overlaying gave us the first samples”, - the press service quoted the young scientist Nikita Toropkov, the author of the project.
Calcium and phosphorus are basic elements that make the bone tissue and so the body does not reject such a compound. The innovative scientist succeeded to attain both dense and porous material that is very close in structure to bone tissue. After performing its function the implant will be replaced with bone tissue and fully dissolved.
“Experts of the RUSNANO helped me to calculate the economic component of the project and assessed when the method can enter the market. According to experts, in three years it will be possible to produce implants from Tomsk material”, - Mr. Toropkov noted.
The scientist claims that Russia still has no full-fledged technology of getting calcium-phosphate materials for regenerative medicine. Foreign scientists are actively working on development of such technologies. The cost of a human jaw made of Tomsk material will make about 50 thousand rubles, while the prices of foreign implants fluctuate around 200 thousand rubles.
Now the project is at the stage of medical research. Scientists from the Siberian State Medical University in Tomsk have already checked the material for non-toxicity. The next stage will be laboratory animal tests.