Drug delivering 3D printed scaffold strategy brings human body implants to the next level of personalization - DD-scaff

Project summary

Project DD-SCAFF includes: design, development, testing, biological evaluation and fabrication of novel skeletal implants with unique synergy of properties – high mechanical strength and bone regenerative effect combined with antibiotic delivery to reduce the risk of manifestation of secondary infections. The implant shape and antibiotic drug release profile from the implant will be tailored to meet the personalised therapeutic needs of the patient. The project aims to create an innovative biomaterial-based strategy providing prolonged antimicrobial protection at the site of implant application. The personalized product will combine a titanium implant with porous scaffold parts that are interpenetrated with calcium phosphate bone cement and gentamicin loaded PLA microcapsules which will ensure pre-programmed local delivery of the antibiotic to surrounding tissues, thus minimizing systemic toxicity effects and possible interactions with other drugs used by the patient.