A new generation of implants
NUST MISIS has started in vivo tests of cell engineering implants of a new generation
NUST MISIS, together with the N.F. Gamalei Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, has started in vivo testing of new-generation cellular engineering implants. Implants can be used for injuries or oncological diseases to replace enlarged areas of bone tissue. The development is carried out within the framework of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.
The scientific group of the NUST MISIS Center for Composite Materials, together with colleagues of the N.F. Gamalei Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, is developing bioactive bone implants for reconstructive surgery containing human morphogenetic recombinant protein. At the moment, a whole complex of structural, mechanical and biomedical research is being carried out. It is expected that the implants in their structure and mechanical properties will correspond to bone tissue, namely, imitate the architecture of different types of bone (cortical and trabecular) and have the same modulus of elasticity as the native bone. A feature of the implants will be an increased ability to osteoinduction due to the presence of protein factors rhBMP-2 and erythropoietin in them.
According to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute, annually in Russia more than 2 thousand traumatic brain injuries require the use of transplantation, and up to 20% of these operations in the future require repeated intervention by surgeons due to poor survival or incorrect placement of the implant in the tissue.
As noted by the head of the scientific group from NUST MISIS, Ph.D. Fedor Senatov, "In vivo experiments have shown that a biomimetic polymer implant with BMP-2 proteins and erythropoietin, installed in a critical-sized cranial defect, promotes accelerated integration with surrounding tissues and bone restoration within a few weeks".
The basis of the biomimetic design is a hybrid frame made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, forming internal porous and external continuous layers, reproducing the macrostructure of mammalian bones, and a titanium reinforcing component. Ultra–high molecular weight polyethylene and hydroxyapatite, a mineral component of bone tissue, are used for the manufacture of the implant. To simulate the pores of the trabecular bone, high-purity salt is introduced into the material. On special equipment and in certain modes, the mixture is pressed into a monolithic material. Then, under high pressure and at high temperature, salt is washed out of it with water that retains a liquid state at a temperature of 100 ° C and a pressure of 218 atmospheres (subcritical water).
An antibacterial component is injected into the upper nonporous layers of the implant with the help of supercritical media, which will protect the body from infection penetration into the implantation site and avoid inflammation. The porous part of the implant is seeded with cells taken from the patient's bone marrow and proteins that stimulate the germination of these cells into the bone tissue.
Implants can be used for injuries or oncological diseases to replace enlarged areas of bone tissue. We are talking about both flat bones subjected to weak or medium loads – pelvic bones, skull bones, and loaded tubular bones of the extremities. The technology is already beginning to find application in veterinary medicine.
"The introduction of innovative medical technologies, the fight against cancer are among the priorities set within the framework of the national project "Healthcare". Their implementation requires not only the development and implementation of new technologies and techniques, but also the training of qualified personnel capable of making a breakthrough in these areas. To this end, in 2019, the first integrated iPhD Master's program in Biomaterial Science in Russia was opened at NUST MISIS, aimed at training world–class researchers in this important interdisciplinary field," says Fedor Senatov.
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