3D-Printed Bone Encourages Natural Growth

Sep-30-16 The 3D-printed hyperelastic bone can be implanted in the body to encourage the skeleton to self-repair.

Developed by a team from Northwestern University, the hyperelastic bone is made up mostly of ceramic and polymer, and can be manufactured using a 3D printer. The material is flexible and resists chipping (unlike conventional bone graft materials), which allows it to be shaped and sutured as needed. However, its key qualities are its ability to remain absorbent and porous even when compressed, which allows the body’s blood vessels to grow into the material and help regenerate the bone.

According to the research team, the animal trial results have been “quite astounding.”

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