Plasma Treatment Leads to Better Bone Implants

Apr-04-13 Implants able to hold bones together during healing and dissolve when not needed anymore could reduce the numbers of surgeries required to repair complicated breaks.

Until now, scientists attempting to make dissolvable implants had to use a polymer mixed with glass particles for extra strength, creating a material called bioglass. But the heat required to make the plastic and glass particle mix creates toxic chemicals. To address this problem, Jose Ramon Sarasua and Aitor Larrañaga of the University of the Basque Country proposed treating the glass particles with plasma in order to alter the chemistry of the particles’ surfaces for better thermal stability. This allows the material to be heat-treated like other plastics while remaining safe for use in the body.

Currently, the implant is designed for breaks not much larger than an inch or so and situations where bones may not heal well.

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[DISCOVERY.COM]
[SCIENCE DIRECT]

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