Research specialists at Glass Technology Services Ltd (GTS) are helping to create a new generation of joint and bone treatments, using specialised bioceramic polymer composites, to address needs such as osteoarthritis, vertebral and maxillofacial bone fractures.
Working in partnership with leading universities and manufacturers, GTS scientists are developing specialist materials for osteoarthritis and bone fracture treatments, which are minimising invasive surgery and improving patient recovery. The Restoration project, 'Resorbable Ceramic Biocomposites for Orthorpeadic and Maxillofacial Applications', is anticipated to be completed in April 2016.
Martyn Marshall, Principal Glass Technologist at GTS, said:
"Glass continues to prove its worth in the treatment of degenerative joint disease and broken bones. The new generation of bioceramic polymer composites can conform to a patient's anatomy, protect and support the fractured bone and resorb non-toxically within 24 months of placement.
"New injectable composites are also stimulating bone regeneration and delivering specific drugs to the target site. In the treatment of osteoarthritis, bioceramic composite plugs are being developed, which minimise invasive surgery and could significantly delay or completely remove the need for a total joint replacement."
GTS is working in partnership on the Restoration project, with the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sagetis Biotech SL, Bionica Tech SRL, Orla Protein Technologies, Karolinska Institutet, Acondicionamiento Tarrasense Associacion, Universidade de Eura, Institut Quimic de Sarria, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia and JRI Orthopaedics.
Full details of this project can be found online here.