Additively manufactured biodegradable porous metals
Y. Li (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
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Abstract
For the treatment of large bony defects, no perfect solution has been yet found, partially due to the unavailability of ideal bone implants. Additively manufactured (AM) biodegradable porous metals provide unprecedented opportunities to fulfil the requirements for ideal bone implants to be used in such treatments. Firstly, the multi-scale geometry of these implants can be customized to mimic the human bone in terms of both micro-architecture and mechanical properties. Secondly, a porous structure with interconnected pores possesses a larger surface area and is favorable for the adhesion and proliferation of bone cells. Finally, the biodegradation property could be exploited to maintain the structural integrity of the implant during the healing process while ensuring that the biomaterial disappears afterwards, paving the way for full bone regeneration.