This machine 3D prints bones for better, healthier implants

February 8, 2020 3D Printing, Medical Technology, Orthopedics

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Danish startup Particle3D has designed a method for printing lightweight customised bone implants that naturally fuse with the body over time

As a nurse in Denmark, Casper Slots got used to seeing the pain that ill-fitting artificial bone implants caused in patients. Some were left in permanent discomfort, or had their faces disfigured by “one size fits all” models.

In 2012, he enrolled in a masters course in medical technology and welfare, where he met Martin B Jensen. They began work on a better solution, and in 2017 founded Particle3D, a startup with a single mission: printing bone.

Customised implants generally use non-degradable materials such as polymer or titanium that don’t behave like organic matter. In their research, Slots and Jensen found a material that would not only replace damaged bone, but encourage new bone to grow back. “I would like to help patients and push for not using foreign materials anymore,” says Slots. “We’re using something that could be part of the patient.”

At their laboratory in Odense, the company has a 3D printer with a nozzle specially crafted for the job. It uses “bio-ink” made from tricalcium phosphate (TCP) – a material that has been used in reconstruction for 30 years, but normally comes in blocks that surgeons have to manually carve into implants for patients.

Particle3D’s method is far more accurate: surgeons use computer models to create a customised implant for a patient, which is printed at the Particle3D lab. The finished product is then sent back to the hospital, ready for surgery.

Combining TCP with 3D printing means that the implants are far less dense than usual – so they not only function to replace bone, but actually fuse with it. They are designed to degrade, allowing new bone to grow. In trials on pigs and mice, new bone marrow and blood vessels developed in the implants after eight weeks. “We are just making a scaffold that uses the unique power of the human body to regenerate itself,” says Slots. “Maybe within a couple of years you will have your full bone back.”

By MARIA MELLOR | WIRED (UK)

Image Credit: Alastair Phillip Wiper

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Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.