Training for new materials development

The 'Bioceramics for bone repair' (BIOBONE) project supports the design and development of new materials, with exciting new processing techniques being developed for their implementation. This research will also formulate regulations that can effectively control new products in the market.

BIOBONE provides multidisciplinary training that combines advanced tools and knowledge with academic and industrial experience. The goal is to develop professionals that will play a pivotal role in pushing forward this highly competitive, knowledge-intense field for the coming decades. These professionals will allow Europe to reach and maintain a leading role in an area of health care with large economic implications.

The project is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) for young researchers in the strategic area of bioceramics for bone repair. Researchers have been recruited to participate in the training. Individual research work and the deliverables are on schedule with good progress being made. All scientists working in nine European institutions and/or companies are involved in guiding their research fellows.

Milestones achieved include a basic technique for fabricating bioactive glass scaffolds. These are based on the traditional foam replica method that has already been developed. Hydrothermal degradation was studied on an alumina–zirconia system with several dopants, including ceria, and has showed promising results. A sub-project is working on guidelines on where the modelling should focus.

Several methods such as surface modification, surface nitriding, grinding the surface and sandblasting were applied to improve the resistance to low temperature degradation in Zirconia. A protocol has also been studied for blasting and acid etchings.

The cell culture model aims at testing the osteogenic potential of biomaterials (provided by the consortium partners) with modified surface properties. Cell proliferation, mineralisation and cell differentiation on the surfaces is analysed at regular time intervals. The research work on chemical modification of the silicon surface with a thin film of hydroxyapatite is in progress.

With the development of materials that are tolerated physiologically, research emphasis has now shifted to the use of ceramic materials that interact with bone tissue.